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THE 


PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK 


THE   CHURCH. 


FOR  THE  USE  OF  MEMBERS,  DEACONS,  ELDERS,  AND 
MINISTERS. 


REV.  JOEL    PARKER,  D.D., 


REV.  T.  RALSTON  SMITH. 


NEW    YOKK: 

HARPER    &    BROTHERS,    PUBLISHERS, 

FKANKLIN     SQtTAKE. 

1861. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  sixty-one,  by 

HARPER    &    BROTHERS, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Sontbern  District  of 
New  York. 


PREFACE. 


In  preparing  this  Manual,  we  have  attempt- 
ed to  meet  a  want  in  the  Presbyterian  Church 
which  we  have  often  felt  ourselves. 

Our  Confession  of  Faith  and  Form  of  Gov- 
ernment are  very  complete,  and  answer  admi- 
rably the  purpose  for  which  they  were  intend- 
ed. But  we  need  something  to  guide  private 
Christians  in  their  relations  to  the  Church  of 
their  choice,  to  make  them  better  acquainted 
with  our  ecclesiastical  system,  and  to  assist 
them  in  their  devotions  and  the  Christian  train- 
ing of  their  households. 

The  deacons  and  elders,  also,  may  be  glad  to 
have  such  information  as  they  require  placed 
before  them  in  a  readable  form ;  while  our  min- 
istry, especially  the  younger  portion  of  it,  need 
hints  and  aids  in  the  performance  of  their  offi- 
cial duties.  These  wants  we  have  endeavored 
to  supply  by  a  volume  that  shall  be  so  concise 
and  cheap  as  to  bring  it  within  the  reach  of 

A 


U  PREFACE. 

private  members,  and  in  a  form  so  portable  as 
to  render  it  a  convenient  Hand-book  of  the 
Church. 

The  catholic  spirit  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
in  acknowledging  all  evangelical  denominations 
as  true  Christian  churches,  has  led  us  as  a  peo- 
ple to  care  too  little  for  our  own  peculiar  or- 
ganization. Within  a  few  years,  however,  a 
salutary  reaction  has  been  experienced,  and  we 
are  fast  learning  that  the  broadest  Christian 
charity  is  perfectly  consistent  with  zeal  in  be- 
half of  our  own  Church,  for  the  very  reason 
that  the  enlargement  of  its  influence  tends  to 
diffuse  the  same  catholic  and  charitable  princi- 
ples among  those  denominations  which  do  not 
profess  any  such  unexclusiveness. 

If  the  heads  of  families  are  incited  to  Chris- 
tian fidelity  by  the  hints  given  in  the  chapter 
devoted  to  the  duties  of  parents,  and  by  the 
forms  of  instruction  thus  kept  before  them,  and 
if  the  timid  and  diffident  are  encouraged  to  es- 
tablish the  family  altar  where  it  would  not  have 
been  set  up  but  for  such  assistance  as  is  found 
in  the  forms  of  prayer  furnished  for  this  pur- 
pose, our  labor  will  not  have  been  in  vain. 

We  have  especially  aimed  to  furnish,  in  a 
short  compass,  valuable  assistance  to  parents, 
Sunday-school  teachers,  and  ministers,  for  cat- 


PREFACE.  lU 

echising  tlie  young.  The  Initiatory  Catecliism, 
by  passing  over  the  ground  of  the  Assembly's 
Shorter  Catechism,  and  breaking  its  larger  prop- 
ositions into  small  fragments,  will  enable  young 
children  to  acquire  a  general  idea  of  the  whole 
system  of  Christian  truth  before  undertaking 
the  severer  task  of  committing  to  memory  those 
more  abstract  statements  which,  once  deeply 
imbedded  in  the  mind,  furnish  valuable  food  for 
reflection  in  maturer  years.  The  third  part  of 
the  Initiatory  Catechism  we  deem  of  great  con- 
sequence, because  it  meets  a  want  which  our 
Church  has  strangely  neglected  to  provide  for. 
These,  with  the  brief  Catechism  of  Biblical 
Chronology,  are  sufficient  to  initiate  our  chil- 
dren into  a  thorough  course  of  religious  instruc- 
tion. 

We  think  the  article  on  congregational  libra- 
ries will  commend  itself  to  ministers  and  peo- 
ple, and  we  can  not  but  hope  that  it  will  pro- 
duce practical  results. 

The  list  of  books  for  students  has  been  pre- 
pared with  great  care,  and  will  be  valuable  to 
those  who  are  compelled  by  their  circumstan- 
ces to  begin  with  a  very  small  library. 

In  the  forms  for  celebrating  marriage,  for  one 
of  which  we  are  indebted  to  the  kindness  of 
Eev.  Dr.  Adams,  we  have  not  sought  any  far- 


iv  PKEFACE. 

ther  variety  than  suffices  to  illustrate  the  only 
important  distinction  in  the  methods  common- 
ly employed  in  this  service.  The  form  ascribed 
to  Dr.  Worcester  has  been  long  in  the  posses- 
sion of  individuals,  and  it  is  believed  that  both 
will  be  highly  approved  for  their  brevity  and 
good  taste.  Provision  is  made  for  the  intro- 
duction of  the  wedding-ring,  because  its  use  is 
growing  so  rapidly  as  to  promise  to  become 
universal. 

In  the  form  for  the  reception  of  members,  we 
have  purposely  avoided  a  large  doctrinal  state- 
ment, since  our  Presbyterian  Church  does  not 
seek  to  secure  the  orthodoxy  of  her  private 
members  by  an  extensive  creed.  This  end  she 
aims  to  attain  by  guarding  the  avenues  to  offi- 
cial positions,  and  thus  securing  sound  doctrine 
in  the  teaching  of  the  pulpit  and  of  the  elder- 
ship. Our  theory  is,  that  orthodox  teaching 
secures  an  orthodox  Church,  and  it  is  unrea- 
sonable to  demand  of  neophytes  any  thing  more 
than  a  satisfactory  evidence  of  true  piety,  and 
such  a  disposition  to  receive  the  truth  as  is  im- 
plied in  their  preference  for  Presbyterian  in- 
struction. 

We  attach  particular  importance  to  the  dis- 
tinction made  in  the  form  of  reception  between 
baptized  members,  who  are  supposed  to  have 


PREFACE.  V 

been  educated  in  the  Churcli  from  their  infan- 
cy, and  those  who  have  been  introduced  from 
the  world. 

Perhaps  there  is  no  one  thing  in  which  this 
Manual  is  more  likely  to  invite  criticism  than 
in  what  some  may  consider  an  apparent  lean- 
ing to  a  precomposed  Liturgy.  Far  from  dep- 
recating a  jealous  watchfulness  over  our  free- 
dom to  offer  extemporaneous  prayers,  we  frank- 
ly concede  that  precomposed  forms  are  to  be 
used  sparingly ;  and  we  think  our  recommend- 
ation does  not  exceed  the  instruction  of  our 
standards,  which  use  this  language  on  the  sub- 
ject of  public  prayer:  "Although  we  do  not 
approve,  as  is  well  known,  of  confining  minis- 
ters to  set  or  fixed  forms  of  prayer  for  public 
worship,  yet  it  is  the  indispensable  duty  of  ev- 
ery minister,  previously  to  his  entering  on  his 
office,  to  prepare  and  qualify  himself  for  this 
part  of  his  duty,  as  well  as  for  preaching.  He 
ought,  by  a  thorough  acquaintance  with  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  by  reading  the  best  writers 
on  the  subject,  by  meditation,  and  by  a  life  of 
comniunion  with  God  in  secret,  to  endeavor  to 
acquire  both  the  spirit  and  the  gift  of  prayer." 

In  stating  general  principles  on  this  whole 
subject  of  conducting  public  services,  our  Di- 
rectory of  Worship  is  sufficiently  full  and  clear. 


Vi  PREFACE. 

It  is  not  tlie  object  of  this  book  to  discuss  these 
principles,  or  in  any  way  to  supplant  the  use 
of  the  Directory,  but  rather,  in  conformity  with 
its  suggestions,  to  furnish  those  practical  forms 
which  shall  commend  themselves,  by  their  con- 
venience and  appropriateness,  to  the  approval 
of  our  pastors. 


CONTENTS. 


PART  I. 

THE   CHUECH. 


CHAP.  ^^«^ 

I.  Presbyterianism ^ 

11.  The  Planting  of  Churches 27 

III.  Duties  of  Church  Members 36 

IV.  Duties  and  Responsibilities  of  Parents 52 

PART  II. 

THE  MINISTRY. 

I.  Duties  and  Responsibilities  of  Deacons 115 

II.  Duties  and  Responsibilities  of  Elders 117 

III.  Duties  of  Bishops  or  Pastors 135 

PART  III. 

SERVICES  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

I.  Public  Worship  on  the  Lord's  Day 167 

II.  The  Sacraments 183 

in.  Services  in  the  celebration  of  Marriage 206 

IV.  Services  at  Funerals 212 


THE 


PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 


PART   I. 
THE   CHURCH. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PRESBYTERIANISM. 

Every  Presbyterian  ought  to  have  good 
reasons  for  preferring  the  particular  ecclesias- 
tical organization  with  which  he  has  chosen  to 
connect  himself.  God  and  his  Church  are  the 
two  things  which  are  of  highest  consequence 
to  Christians.  The  most  important  object  of 
contemplation  in  heaven  is  God.  The  object 
most  worthy  of  our  regard  on  earth  is  the 
Church.  Our  first  attention  is  due  to  our  Cre- 
ator and  Redeemer.  Next  to  him,  the  Church, 
"the  bride,  the  Lamb's  wife,"  is  secondary  to 
nothing. 


10      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Presbyterianism  preferred. 

But  what  is  the  Church?  To  this  it  may 
be  answered  generally  and  briefly,  that 

The  Church  is  a  divinely -constituted  social  or- 
ganization embracing  all  Christians. 

But  the  term  Christians,  like  the  word 
Church,  possesses  more  than  one  signification. 
We  sometimes  mean  by  it  those  who  are  truly 
pious,  and  sometimes  include  in  the  designa- 
tion all  that  are  nominally  such.  So  we  speak 
of  the  invisible  Church  as  comprising  those, 
and  those  only,  who  are  united  to  their  Saviour 
and  to  one  another  by  a  genuine  piety.  We 
also  speak  of  the  visible  Church  including  the 
whole  body  of  professed  Christians  of  every 
denomination.  This  last-named  body,  in  an 
important  sense  one,  may  be  contemplated  in 
separate  portions,  distinguished  by  geograph- 
ical localities,  by  varieties  of  ecclesiastical  ar- 
rangements, and  diversified  shades  of  faith  and 
modes  of  worship. 

That  portion  of  the  Church  catholic  or  uni- 
versal which  has  commanded  our  preference 
is,  for  the  sake  of  a  convenient  distinction,  de- 
nominated "the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America." 

The  Presbyterian  Church  is  preferred  for 
reasons  found  in  its  distinctive  character.    It 


THE  CHURCH.  H 


Scriptural.  Liberal. 

is  true  that  some  of  its  features  belong  equally 
to  all  cliurches  which  hold  evangelical  doc- 
trines ;  a  still  greater  portion  belongs  to  such 
as  maintain  the  parity  of  the  clergy,  and  a 
greater  resemblance  still  exists  between  our- 
selves and  our  Congregational  brethren,  and 
other  organizations  strictly  Presbyterian. 

REASONS    FOR    PREFERRING     THE    PRESBYTE- 
RIAN CHURCH. 

I.  The  Scrvpiural  and  Liberal  Character  of  its 
Government. 

The  elements  of  which  this  is  composed  are 
the  clergy  and  the  ruling  elders,  chosen  by  the 
people.  Of  the  clergy  we  maintain  that  they 
are  all  equal,  and  that  their  authority  is  de- 
rived from  Christ  himself.  We  agree  with 
Archbishop  Whately  that  "the  sacramental 
virtue"  (a  thing,  the  existence  of  which  we 
deny),  even  if  it  were  transmitted  from  apos- 
tolic hands,  and  through  them  to  their  success- 
ors, can  not  be  shown  to  have  had  an  unbro- 
ken descent  down  to  our  times.  Yet  there  has 
doubtless  been  a  succession  of  an  order  of  men 
denominated  Christian  ministers,  each  genera- 
tion of  which  has  been  approved  by  the  gener- 


12      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Ministry. 

ation  immediately  preceding  tliem,  and  in  this 
way  the  ministry  may  be  traced  back,  as  the 
Church  itself  can  be,  to  the  immediate  disciples 
of  our  Lord.     But  the  authority  of  the  minis- 
try is  derived  directly  from  Christ.     The  Chris- 
tian minister  is  called  of  God  to  his  work. 
When  the  Spirit  has  called  a  man  to  this  holy 
office,  the  Church  echoes  the  voice  of  her  Lord. 
''  The  Spirit  and  the  bride  say  come."     The 
candidate  presents  himself,  and  the  ministry, 
or  the  Presbytery,  which,  by  its  plurality,  rep- 
resents the  whole  body,  ordains  him  and  re- 
ceives him  into  their  number  and  fellowship. 
This  "laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  Presby- 
tery" jconveys  no  mysterious  influence.     The 
Presbyterian  Church  does  not  believe  in  a  sac- 
ramental grace  conveyed  by  a  sacred  rite.    On 
the  contrary,  it  maintains  that  such  observ- 
ances are  only  appointed  symbols  designed  to 
express  in  a  striking  and  effective  manner  an 
im^Dortant  truth,  and  that  just  as  baptism  ex- 
presses a  reliance  upon  the  sanctifying  Spirit 
as  the  cleansing  power  that  washes  the  soul 
from  its  pollutions,  so  the  imposition  of  ,^the^ 
hands  (of  the  Presbytery)upon  the  head  of  him 
whom ''they)  receive  as  called  to  the  sacred  of- 
fice desiofnates^ their jtrust  in  that  anointinof  of 


THE   CHUKCH.  13 


Clergy.  Eldera. 

the  Spirit  wliich.  must  call  and  qualify  tlie  true 
^minister^   It  is,  also,  a  public  recognizing  of 
tlie  individual  before  the  whole  Church  in  his 
^ministerial  office,  o"'^'-^  •    -^'^  -    v  .i^"   *, 

Consistently  with  these  views,  the  perfect 
parity  of  the  clergy  is  maintained.  If  one 
minister  possesses  more  influence  than  anoth- 
er, it  is  only  as  one  private  member  of  the 
Church  exercises  a  more  distinguished  influ- 
ence than  some  of  his  brethren.  It  is  because 
he  possesses  a  greater  degree  of  learning  or 
more  distinguished  gifts,  or  a  heavenlier  piety. 
We  hold  that  in  the  ministry  we  have  but  one 
master,  that  Christ  is  our  chief  Bishop,  and 
"all  we  are  brethren."  The  ministry  thus  con- 
stituted is  the  primary  element  in  the  govern- 
ment of  our  Church. 

Another  element  is  that  of  ruling  elders,  / 
appointed  by  the  people.  In  enumerating  the 
several  denominations  of  persons  in  the  Church 
on  whom  its  edification  depends,  the  Apostle 
Paul  names,  as  distinct  from  various  classes  of 
teachers  by  him  specified,  one  which  he  calls 
"  governments.""^  In  another  place  he  speaks 
of  eiders  who  "  rule"  without "  laboring  in  word 
and  doctrine."f  These  officers  we  denominate 
ruling  elders. 

*  1  Cor.,  xii.,  28.  f  1  Tim.>  v,,  17. 


Kpjx: 


14      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Church  Session. 

It  is  evident  that  the  object  of  these  offi- 
cers was  the  spiritual  edification  of  the  people. 
"  They  were  intended  to  instruct  them  in  the 
knowledge  of  divine  truth,  to  inspire  them  with 
pure  principles  and  spiritual  affections,  to  form 
their  individual  and  social  habits  to  practical 
holiness  and  moral  order ;  in  one  word,  to  ren- 
der them  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints 
in  light."* 

"While  such  is  the  object  of  the  ministry  and 
eldership,  the  pastor  or  bishop  of  the  congrega- 
tion, and  the  elders  who  have  been  elected  by 
the  people  and  solemnly  set  apart  to  the  office, 
constitute  together  the  primary  court  of  the 
Church.  Of  this  court  the  pastor  is  moderator 
or  president,  and  one  of  the  elders  is  appointed 
clerk.  The  body  thus  constituted,  and  denom- 
inated the  Church  Session,  is  charged  with  the 
duty  of  providing  for  the  instruction  of  the  con- 
gregation, the  religious  training  of  the  young, 
and  the  discipline  of  erring  members.  It  is 
governed  in  its  action  by  a  code  of  laws  adopt- 
ed by  the  whole  Church,  and  is  required  to 
keep  a  written  record  of  its  proceedings,  which 
record  is  subject  to  the  review  and  control  of  a 
superior  court.    It  has  power  to  admit  mem- 

*  Dr.  Miller. 


THE   CHUKCH.  15 


Higher  courts. 


bers  to  sealing  ordinances,  to  exculpate  and 
protect  those  who  are  unjustly  accused,  to  ad- 
monish such  as  may  be  reasonably  expected  to 
be  reclaimed  by  gentle  means,  to  suspend  from 
the  communion  of  the  Lord's  Supper  gross  of- 
fenders, and  to  sever  the  incorrigible  from  their 
connection  with  the  Church. 

Every  trial  is  required  to  be  open  and  pub- 
lic, and  the  parties  interested  are  entitled  to  a 
copy  of  the  record  at  their  request,  without 
charge,  save  only  the  expense  of  transcribing. 
To  guard  against  the  consequences  of  error  in 
the  Session,  the  right  of  appeal  or  of  complaint 
to  the  Presbytery  is  secured  by  the  Constitution. 

The  Presbytery  is  constituted  by  the  bishops 
of  several  associated  churches  and  one  ruling 
elder  from  each.  Before  this  court  a  bishop 
or  minister  may  be  arraigned,  and  any  accused 
person,  after  having  passed  through  his  trial  in 
the  court  below,  may  claim  the  right  of  a  new 
hearing  on  an  appeal  from  the  Session. 

The  Synod  is  a  union  of  several  Presbyte- 
ries, and  is,  in  effect,  a  large  Presbytery,  and  a 
court  of  appeal  from  the  individual  Presbyte- 
ries comprised  in  it. 

The  Greneral  Assembly  is  differently  consti- 
tuted.    It  is  a  representative  body,  composed  of 


16      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Ministerial  parity. 


delegates  or  ''  commissioners"  appointed  by  the 
Presbyteries.  This  is  the  highest  court  in  the 
Church.  It  may  devise  means  according  to  its 
wisdom,  only  within  the  prescribed  limits  of 
the  Constitution,  for  promoting  the  interests  of 
the  whole  Church,  exercise  a  review  and  con- 
trol over  the  synodical  records,  and  issue  finally 
all  complaints  or  appeals  from  the  courts  below. 
It  is  not  pretended  that  there  is  an  apostol- 
ical warrant  for  these  four  courts  constituted 
in  this  exact  form,  but  that  the  'prmcijiles  in- 
volved in  this  organization  are  all  found  in  the 
primordial  Church,  as  described  incidentally  in 
the  New  Testament.  The  parity  of  Christian 
ministers  is  there  plainly  asserted.  Bishops 
and  elders,  or  presbyters,  are  acknowledged  by 
all  scholars  to  be  the  same.*  The  same  per- 
sons are  in  different  places  called  by  each  of 
these  names.  There  were  elders  that  ruled 
well  who  did  not  labor  as  preachers.  The 
churches,  consisting  of  different  congregations, 
acted  in  unison,  and  assemblies  representing 

*  "The  name  'bishop,'  which  now  [as  used  in  the  Epis- 
copal Church]  designates  the.  highest  grade  in  the  ministry, 
is  not  appropriated  to  that  office  in  Scripture.  That  name 
is  given  to  the  middle  office,  or  presbyters." — Bishop  Onder- 
donk's  Tract,  p.  12. 


THE   CHUKCH.  17 


Presbyterianism  catholic. 


the  whole  were  convened  to  concert  measures 
for  promoting  the  general  good. 

Such  a  government  is  eminently  popular 
and  liberal.  No  man  can  be  tried  but  bj  his 
peers.  If  prejudice  has  unfortunately  been  per- 
mitted to  exercise  sway,  the  injured  party  can 
remove  the  cause  to  a  higher  and  an  impartial 
tribunal.  Ko  great  interest  can  be  sacrificed 
by  the  tyranny  of  an  individual  raised  high  in 
office  above  his  brethren.  The  dangers  of  ec- 
clesiastical ambition  are  diminished  by  the  rep- 
resentation of  the  people  in  the  eldership. 

Thus  the  Presbyterian  Church  possesses  more 
analogies  with  our  excellent  confederated  re- 
public than  can  be  found  elsewhere,  and  moves 
on  with  our  political  goverment  jpari  passu^ 
two  free  federative  republics,  one  spiritual,  the 
other  temporal,  neither  infringing  on  the  rights 
or  curtailing  the  privileges  of  the  other. 

II.  The  Preshyterian  Church  is  pre-eminently 
Catholic  and  Unexclusive. 

It  is  distinguished  for  the  freedom  and  cor- 
diality with  which  it  co-operates  with  other 
churches  in  objects  of  general  Christian  benev- 
olence. Nor  do  we  ever  exclude  those  of  other 
evangelical  churches  from  the  privileges  of  our 

B 


18      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Unexclusive. 

own  members  and  i;iinisters.  While  several  of 
these  churclies  decline  giving  letters  of  dismis- 
sion from  their  communion  to  ours,  we  make 
no  difference.  We  dismiss  one  of  our  members 
to  a  Baptist,  Episcopal,  or  Methodist  Church  in 
precisely  the  same  form  and  with  the  same  af- 
fectionate confidence  as  though  we  were  dis- 
missing him  to  one  of  our  own  denomination. 
So,  when  we  receive  a  member  from  another 
denomination,  we  never  rebaptize  him,  nor, 
when  we  receive  a  minister,  do  we  reordain 
him.  On  the  contrary,  we  practically  acknowl- 
edge the  ordinances  of  all  evangelical  churches 
as  equally  valid  as  if  they  had  been  performed 
by  ourselves. 

These  statements  ought  not  to  be  considered 
invidious.  If  we  bear  with  our  brethren  while 
they  will  not  allow  that  we  are  a  Church  of 
Christ,  or  while  they  deny  the  validity  of  our 
ministry,  we  may,  without  offense,  glory  in  the 
distinction  of  being  free  to  say  that  we  cor- 
dially acknowledge  them  as  true  churches  of 
our  common  Master,  and  their  ministry  as  be- 
ing equally  valid  with  our  own.  We  value 
our  Church  as  being  a  great  catholic  organiza- 
tion, operating  powerfully  to  restore  the  Church 
of  Christ  to  its  proper  oneness.     We  do  not, 


THE  CHURCH.  19 


Simplicity  of  worship. 


indeed,  imagine  tliat  the  Church  is  to  be 
brought  back  to  its  perfect  visible  unity  by 
all  others  coming  .to  us  and  being  absorbed 
into  the  Presbyterian  body,  but  we  most  de- 
voutly trust  that  every  Church  of  Christ  will 
come  to  enjoy  that  unexclusive  and  catho- 
lic spirit  with  which  God  has  blessed  our  be- 
loved Church,  and  that  then  the  attrition  of 
the  various  denominations  produced  by  their 
frequent  contact  will  wear  away  the  repulsive 
asperities  whichi  now  exist,  and  all  will  grow 
into  one  holy  catholic  communion.  Then,  a 
kind  spirit,  and  mutual  counsel,  and  fervent 
prayer,  will  remove  unimportant  differences 
and  magnify  important  resemblances,  till  the 
Chiirch,  composed  of  various  elements,  shall  be 
like  a  richly-cultivated  language,  formed  by  a 
combination  of  numerous  tongues,  each  one  of 
which  has  contributed  something  to  the  mag- 
nificent result. 

III.  The  Presbyterian  Church  is  characterized  by 
the  Simplicity  of  its  Worship. 
The  public  worship  of  God  in  the  Presbyte- 
rian Church  is  not  conducted  by  a  prescribed 
liturgy.  It  can  not  be  supposed  that  Paul 
knelt  down  on  the  shore,  when  he  parted  with 


20         THE  PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 

Non-liturgical. 

his  friends  at  Tyre,  and  read  a  prayer  from 
a  book,  or  that  Paul  and  Silas  used  a  pre- 
scribed form  when  they  prayed  at  midnight 
in  the  prison  at  Philippi.  "  The  Lord's  Pray- 
er" forms  no  objection  to  our  usage,  because  it 
is  not  given  in  the  same  words  by  the  different 
Evangelists,  as  it  doubtless  would  have  been 
had  it  been  intended  as  a  prescribed  form. 
Besides,  it  contains  no  clause  asking  for  bless- 
ings in  the  name  of  Christ,  which  our  Saviour 
himself  solemnly  enjoined  upon  his  Church 
before  he  withdrew  his  personal  presence.  In 
the  subsequent  inspired  history  we  find  no  al- 
lusion to  this  form  of  prayer,  nor  any  reference 
to  either  the  saying  or  reading  of  prayers,  both 
of  which  modes  of  expression  are  natural  for 
those  who  employ  precomposed  forms.  Soc- 
rates and  Sozomen,  respectable  ecclesiastical 
writers  of  the  fifth  century,  both  declare  that, 
in  their  day,  ''no  two  persons  were  found  to 
use  the  same  words  in  public  worship."  And 
Augustine,  who  was  nearly  their  contemporary, 
says  in  relation  to  this  subject,  "  There  is  free- 
dom to  use  different  words,  provided  the  same 
things  are  mentioned  in  prayer." 

In  forming  the  "  Directory  of  Public  "Wor- 
ship," our  Church  regards  the  Holy  Scriptures 


THE   CHUiiCH.  21 


Its  teaching. 


as  the  only  safe  guide ;  therefore  she  does  no 
more  than  to  recommend  a  judicious  arrange- 
ment of  the  several  parts  of  the  public  service, 
throwing  upon  the  pastor  the  responsibility  of 
preparing  himself  for  a  proper  and  edifying 
performance  of  those  acts  of  worship  which 
shall  be  suited  to  the  ever-changing  wants  of 
the  congregation.  "We  love  the  freedom  of  our 
worship,  according  to  which  a  sudden  calamity 
occurring  at  the  very  hour  of  service  can  be 
improved  by  appropriate  allusions,  and  the  sen- 
timents awakened  by  any  particular  strain  of 
instruction  may  be  suitably  directed. 

TV.  The  Preshyterian  Church  is  distinguished  hy 
the  high  Character  of  its  Teaching. 

Under  this  statement  may  be  comprised  the 
doctrines  taught,  and  the  style  and  proportion 
of  its  religious  inculcations. 

We  believe  that  instruction  is  the  great  in- 
strument of  Christianity.  Our  Saviour  is  the 
light  of  the  world,  and  men  are  sanctified 
through  the  truth.  We  believe  that  worship 
and  a  due  cultivation  of  the  religious  sensibili- 
ties are  vastly  important,  but  that  just  concep- 
tions of  the  plan  of  salvation  and  a  clear  view 
of  the  principles  by  which  men  ought  to  be 


22      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Educated  ministry. 

governed  are  of  primary  consequence^  as  indis- 
pensable to  securing  a  right  quality  of  worship 
and  real  acceptance  with  God. 

Hence  we  aim  at  SQCuring  the  most  thorough 
education  of  the  Christian  ministry.  There  is 
.  not  a  more  thoughtful  and  manly  class  of  writ- 
ers— writers  that  think  more  profoundly  and 
discuss  great  questions  more  earnestly,  than 
the  pastors  of  our  Church.  We  are  accused 
of  being  too  intellectual,  and  of  neglecting  too 
much  appeals  to  the  feelings  of  our  congrega- 
tions. It  may  be  that  we  are  chargeable  with 
neglect.  Certain  it  is  that  we  do  not  possess 
the  warmth  which  such  a  cause  and  such  a 
Master  may  properly  demand.  But,  still,  we 
claim  that  an  increase  of  devotional  sentiment 
ought  not  to  detract  in  the  least  from  the  acu- 
men employed  in  our  discriminations  or  the 
earnestness  of  our  discussions.  One  great  rea- 
son for  the  superior  success  of  the  Presbyterian 
clergy  is  because  their  sermons  are  thoroughly 
elaborated,  and  lay  hold  of  the  popular  mind 
with  a  manly  vigor.  If  we  do  not  appeal  with 
sufficient  warmth  to  the  feelings  of  our  people, 
the  remedy  is  not  to  teach  less  clearly  and  earn- 
estly. A  more  suitable  exhortation  for  us  is 
that  of  our  Saviour,  "  These  things  ought  ye  to 


THE   CHURCH.  23 


Its  doci'tines. 


have  done,  and  not  to  leave  the  other  un- 
done." 

But  we  must  refer  also  to  the  nature  as  well 
as  to  the  mode  of  our  teachings. 

The  doctrines  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
are  Calvinistic.  They  are  so  called,  not  because 
Calvin  invented  them.  They  were  the  doc- 
trines of  all  the  leading  reformers ;  of  the  Wal- 
denses  for  five  or  six  hundred  years  before  the 
Eeformation ;  of  Augustine  and  the  primitive 
Church,  and  especially  are  they  distinctly  ex- 
hibited in  the  Word  of  God.  This  system  of 
doctrine  is  clearly  set  forth  in  the  Westminster 
Confession  of  Faith,  and  the  larger  and  shorter 
Catechisms. 

Without  pretending  to  expound  fully  the 
great  principles  more  amply  unfolded  in  the 
standards  of  the  Church,  we  may  say,  briefly, 
that  the  Presbyterian  Church  maintains  that, 
since  the  fall  of  Adam,  and  in  consequence  of 
his  lapse,  all  men  are  naturally  destitute  of 
holiness,  alienated  entirely  from  Cod,  and  just- 
ly subject  to  his  eternal  displeasure.  The  plan 
of  man's  recovery  from  this  state  is,  from  first 
to  last,  a  system  of  unmerited  grace.  The  me- 
diation of  Jesus  Christ,  including  his  instruc- 
tions, his  example,  his  sacrifice  on  the  cross. 


24      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Its  doctrines. 

his  resurrection,  ascension,  and  intercession,  are 
tlie  means  of  bringing  men  back  to  God.  Yet 
these  means  would  be  without  efficacy  if  there 
were  not  revealed  to  man  a  gratuitous  justifica- 
tion through  the  merit  of  our  Saviour's  sacri- 
fice, and  if  the  Holy  Spirit  did  not  by  his  own 
invisible  agency  cause  sinners  to  accept  a  free 
pardon  and  salvation.  Hence  not  only  are  the 
provisions  of  mercy  gratuitous,  but  the  disposi- 
tion to  accept  these  provisions  is  produced  by 
a  sovereign  interposition  of  the  divine  Spirit. 

It  is  evident,  from  Scripture  and  from  daily 
observation,  that  all  are  not  saved,  and,  conse- 
quently, that  it  was  not  the  original  purpose  of 
Him  who  never  changes  his  plans  of  operation 
to  bring  all  to  repentance  and  faith  in  the  Ke- 
deemer.  "  Known  unto  God  are  all  his  works 
from  the  beginning  of  the  world."  ''All  the 
dispensations  of  his  grace,  as  well  as  of  his 
providence,  and,  among  the  rest,  the  effectual 
calling  and  salvation  of  every  believer,  entered 
into  his  plan  from  all  eternity."  "Yet,  so  as 
that  thereby  neither  is  God  the  author  of  sin, 
nor  is  violence  offered  to  the  will  of  the  crea- 
tures, nor  is  the  liberty  or  contingency  of  sec- 
ond causes  taken  away,  but  rather  established." 
It  is  undeniable  that  these  views  may  be  per- 


THE  CHUKCH.  25 


Those  of  the  Eeformers. 


verted,  and  misrepresented,  and  rendered  odious 
by  drawing  inferences  from  them  which  Pres- 
byterians do  not  allow.  For  such  perversions 
of  its  creed  no  church  is  responsible.  If  we 
might  refer  to  a  single  argument  in  which  the 
distinguishing  peculiarities  of  the  doctrines  of 
our  Church  are  most  triumphantly  maintained, 
it  should  be  that  masterly  homily  of  the  Apos- 
tle Paul,  or  rather  of  the  Holy  Spirit  speaking 
by  him  in  his  Epistle  to  the  Eomans. 

Whatever  odium  has  been  cast  upon  the 
Presbyterian  Church  for  holding  Calvinistic 
doctrines,  it  ought  to  be  remembered  that  the 
honor  of  bearing  it  does  not  belong  to  them 
alone.  It  belongs  to  all  the  Eeformers,  to  the 
symbols  of  "the  Synod  of  Dort,"  "the  Heidel- 
berg Confession  and  Catechism,"  and  the  "  Thir- 
ty-nine Articles"  of  the  Established  Church  of 
England,  and  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  this 
country.  If  the  English  Church  has  fallen  into 
such  a  state  that  the  Earl  of  Chatham  was  jus- 
tified in  saying,  "We  have  a  popish  liturgy, 
a  Calvinistic  creed,  and  an  Arminian  clergy," 
and  if  the  churches  on  the  Continent  of  Europe 
have  sunk  to  a  lower  condition  because  a  vig- 
orous dissent  has  not  infused  a  little  spiritual 
life  into  the  establishments,  surely  our  Pres- 


26         THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAXD-BOOK. 
Theii-  effect, 

byterian  Church  is  not  worthy  of  very  severe 
censure  for  keeping  alive,  at  the  same  time,  the 
doctrines  of  Calvinism  and  the  spirit  of  piety. 

These  reasons  for  exercising  a  decided  pref- 
erence for  the  Presbyterian  Church  are  equally 
reasons  why  every  member  should  make  him- 
self acquainted  with  its  character,  and  with  all 
his  duties  as  connected  with  it. 


THE   CHUKCH.  27 


Co-operation. 


CHAPTER  II. 

the  planting  of  churches. 

1.  The  G-athering  of  Congregations. 

Scarcely  any  great  object  of  a  practical  char- 
acter is  achieved  by  human  effort  that  does  not 
depend  on  the  co-operation  of  numbers.  An 
individual  can  accomplish  little,  while  a  small 
number,  united  by  a  simple  organization  and 
moved  by  the  same  spirit,  may  achieve  surpris- 
ing results. 

In  the  gathering  of  a  congregation  it  is  often 
expedient  to  commence  with  a  slight  bond  of 
union.  An  agreement  of  two  or  three  families 
to  meet  statedly  for  worship  on  the  Lord's 
day  may  constitute  the  primordial  nucleus.  A 
Sunday-school  that  shall  demand  the  systemat- 
ic exertions  of  a  few  persons  will  add  to  the 
strength  and  form  of  the  organization';  and  the 
procurement  of  the  ministration  of  the  Gospel, 
though  it  be  at  intervals  of  several  weeks,  will 
farther  advance  the  same  end. 

While  the  numbers  are  very  small  and  the 


28      THE  pkesbyterian's  hand-book. 

Incipient  form. 

population  is  increasing  in  a  given  locality,  it 
may  be  well  to  defer  legally  constituting  a  con- 
gregation until  such  numbers  are  gathered  and 
such  persons  are  connected  with  the  movement 
as  will  render  a  suitable  selection  of  trustees 
possible.  In  the  mean  time,  an  incipient  or- 
ganization may  be  rendered  highly  useful  in 
promoting  that  social  harmony  and  that  habit 
of  co-operation  which  will  prepare  the  way  for 
a  vigorous  commencement  of  the  congrega- 
tion's existence  in  its  legalized  form. 

To  further  these  ends,  an  instrument  may  be 
drawn  up  and  subscribed  by  as  many  persons 
as  can  be  induced  to  unite  for  the  purpose,  in 
something  like  the  following 

Form. 

Whereas  we  whose  names  are  undersigned 
believe  that  the  public  worship  of  Almighty 
God  is  a  solemn  duty,  and  is  adapted  to  pro- 
mote the  intelligence,  the  morality,  good  order, 
and  consequent  prosperity  and  happiness  of 
any  community,  as  well  as  to  advance  the  in- 
terests of  true  religion ;  and  whereas  great  so- 
cial advantages  are  to  be  secured  only  by  com- 
bined effort,  we  do  therefore  agree  and  bind 
ourselves  together  to  assist  each  other  in  secur- 


THE   CHUECH.  29 


Source  of  harmony. 


ing  the  stated  administration  of  the  Gospel,  and 
in  forming  a  Presbyterian  Church  and  congre- 
gation at  as  early  a  day  as  practicable. 
Signed,  A.  B. 


M.  N.,  &c. 


Dated, ,  18—. 


In  a  new  or  sparsely  settled  neighborhood 
it  may  often  be  expedient  to  attach  the  signa- 
tures of  females  as  well  as  males  to  this  instru- 
ment. Indeed,  we  know  it  sometimes  happens 
that  nearly  all  the  incipient  movements  in  giv- 
ing origin  to  a  Church  are  made  by  pious  wom- 
en. When  such  an  organization  is  formed, 
too  great  care  can  scarcely  be  used  that  no  im- 
portant movement  should  be  made  without  the 
action,  either  through  a  general  meeting  or  by 
consultations  of  individuals,  of  the  whole  nas- 
cent congregation.  It  is  according  to  the  spirit 
of  Presbyterianism  that  all  important  move- 
ments should  originate  with  the  people,  and  be 
carried  forward  by  their  united  action. 

The  next  thing  that  will  ordinarily  demand 
attention  is 


80      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

A  cheap  sanctuary. 

2.  The  Building  of  Sanctuaries. 

It  is  very  desirable,  to  say  the  least,  tliat 
the  public  service  of  God  should  be  performed 
in  a  place  set  apart  exclusively  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

Such  a  place  can  ordinarily  be  secured  by  a 
very  small  and  feeble  congregation.  There  is 
scarcely  any  thing  which  better  illustrates  the 
proverb,  "  Where  there  is  a  will  there  is  a  way," 
than  the  manner  in  which  a  few  families,  united 
in  a  proper  spirit,  often  succeed  in  the  erection 
of  a  sanctuary. 

Let  it  not  be  forgotten  that,  if  the  congrega- 
tion be  small  and  feeble,  the  accommodations 
required  are  also  limited,  and  may  be  made  in 
a  very  cheap  and  humble  manner.  The  laud- 
able desire  to  make  the  house  of  God  respecta- 
ble may  be  held  in  abeyance  for  the  present, 
or  gratified  by  taste  in  the  selection  of  a  site 
and  the  disposition  of  shade-trees  and  other 
cheap  contrivances  for  rendering  the  place  at- 
tractive. A  small  expenditure  in  neatly  fen- 
cing and  adorning  the  church-yard,  with  ar- 
rangements for  securing  that  cleanliness  which 
is  allied  to  holiness,  will  render  a  very  humble 
sanctuary  delightful,  and  do  much  to  cause 


THE   CHURCH.  81 


Example  of  one. 


men  to  think  of  it  as  "the  house  of  God  and 
the  gate  of  heaven." 

It  can  not  be  said  that  there  is  no  instance 
in  which  a  feeble  congregation  may  not  send 
abroad  and  solicit  from  more  prosperous  com- 
munities the  means  of  erecting  a  sanctuary. 
In  very  important  positions  there  may  be  num- 
bers that  would  be  drawn  to  an  attractive  place 
of  worship,  while  there  are  literally  almost 
none  that  feel  interest  enough  in  the  subject  to 
do  any  thing  for  the  erection  of  a  church  des- 
titute of  architectural  beauty.  Less  real  conse- 
quence, however,  belongs  to  such  a  procedure 
than  is  commonly  imagined. 

In  one  of  our  rising  towns,  a  few  years  since, 
the  people  took  their  axes  to  fell  the  trees  for 
the  frame  of  a  new  church  on  Tuesday  morn- 
ing. On  Saturday  afternoon  of  the  same  week 
the  sanctuary  was  complete.  It  was  a  frame 
sixty  feet  by  twenty-four.  The  roof  was  fin- 
ished. It  was  weather-boarded,  furnished  with 
twelve  good  windows,  comfortable  seats,  and  a 
pulpit.  In  short,  every  thing  was  done  that 
was  deemed  necessary  till  the  congregation 
was  enabled  to  build  an  elegant  village  church. 
That  simple  church  was  filled  on  the  following 
Sabbath  morning  by  a  congregation,  many  of 


82         THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
Church-Erection  Fund. 

whom  were  more  attracted  by  the  spirit  of  the 
undertaking  than  they  would  have  been  by  an 
imposing  stjde  of  architecture. 

Such  a  course  of  procedure,  in  a  great  ma- 
jority of  instances,  would  be  more  conducive 
to  the  establishment  of  the  Church  than  would 
any  efforts  to  solicit  assistance  for  erecting  a 
more  respectable  house  of  worship. 

After  the  organization  of  a  society  and  the 
constitution  of  a  Church  by  the  competent  au- 
thority, application  may  be  made,  when  neces- 
sary, for  a  portion  of  the  fund  known  as  the 
"  Church-Erection  Fund,"  for  ''  aiding  feeble 
congregations,  in  connection  ivitli  the  General  As- 
sembhj^  in  erecting  houses  of  worship." 

The  following  regulations  must  then  be  ob- 
served : 

''  All  applications  for  aid  shall  be  made,  in 
the  first  instance,  to  the  Committee  on  Church 
Extension  of  the  Synod  to  which  the  appli- 
cants belong,  or  within  whose  bounds  they 
are  situated.  Every  application  shall  be  made 
in  writing,  and  shall  particularly  state  the  lo- 
cation of  the  house ;  the  number  of  families  or 
persons  attached  to  the  congregation,  or  that 
propose  to  unite  in  building  a  house  of  wor- 
ship ;  the  description  of  the  house  which  they 


THE   CHURCH.  33 


Forming  a  Church. 


propose  to  build,  with  its  estimated  and  proba- 
ble cost;  the  amount  of  reliable  subscriptions 
which  have  been  obtained,  and  how  much  has 
been  paid  thereon;  the  amount  of  available 
means  possessed  by  the  congregation,  if  any ; 
whether  the  congregation  is  in  debt,  and  if  so, 
to  what  amount,  and  when  the  same  becomes 
due ;  and  also  any  other  facts  which  may  aid 
the  Committee  of  the  Synod  in  judging  of  the 
application.  This  application  shall  be  accom- 
panied by  the  certificate  of  one  of  the  legal  ad- 
visers of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  that  the  title  to 
the  lot  on  which  the  house  is  built  or  to  be 
built  is  vested  in  said  congregation,  and  is  free 
from  all  legal  encumbrance  and  liability." 

8.  The  Organization  of  Churches. 

For  the  organization  of  a  Church,  application 
should  be  made  to  the  Presbytery,  where  the 
circumstances  permit  it.  If  this  be  not  conven- 
ient on  account  of  distance,  any  ordained  min- 
ister is  competent  to  form  such  an  organization. 
Application  must  then  be  made,  at  the  earliest 
practicable  moment,  to  be  received  into  connec- 
tion with  the  Presbytery  within  whose  bounds 
the  Church  naturally  lies. 

After  the  Church  has  been  so  far  formed  as 
C 


34      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Officers  appointed. 

to  designate  the  persons  of  which  it  is  com- 
posed, elders  and  deacons  should  be  elected  by 
ballot,  and  ordained  to  their  offices  respective- 
ly. For  the  general  principles  to  be  observed 
in  performing  these  duties,  recourse  must  be 
had  to  "  The  Form  of  Government"  and  "  The 
Digest." 

As  no  method  for  the  election  of  these  offi- 
cers in  new  churches  is  prescribed,  the  following 
suggestions  may  be  of  service  in  such  cases : 

Immediately  after  the  organization  of  the 
Church,  or  at  a  meeting  subsequently  held  for 
the  purpose,  and  constituted  by  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  chairman  and  secretar}^,  let  it  be  first 
determined  what  number  of  elders  and  deacons 
shall  be  chosen  to  these  offices  respectively. 
Nominations  may  then  be  made  by  members 
of  the  Church,  and  the  vote  taken  by  ballot. 
The  persons  thus  elected  should  then  be  ordain- 
ed to  their  respective  offices,  or  this  may  be 
done  at  a  subsequent  service  of  the  Church,  as 
may  be  deemed  expedient. 

It  is  most  proper  that  only  the  male  mem- 
bers of  the  Church,  of  full  age,  should  vote  at 
such  elections,  but  it  is  competent  for  any 
Church  to  decide  otherwise. 

The  offices  of  elder  and  deacon  are,  accord- 


THE   CHURCH.  35 


Their  ordination. 


ing  to  the  New  Testament  and  the  principles 
of  Presby terianism,  distinct ;  therefore  to  unite 
them  in  one  individual,  though  not  uncommon, 
is  an  irregularity,  and  is  deemed  highly  inex- 
pedient. 

It  is  most  seemly  that  elders  and  deacons 
should  be  ordained  separately,  and  the  ordina- 
tion should  be  by  the  laying  on  of  the  hands 
of  the  officiating  minister  and  the  ruling  elders 
that  may  be  present."^ 

At  subsequent  elections  in  the  same  Church, 
it  is  advisable  for  the  Session,  or  for  a  joint 
committee  from  the  Session  and  the  Church,  to 
nominate  additional  officers,  who  are  to  be  elect- 
ed in  the  manner  just  described,  and  ordained 
by  the  existing  Session,  the  pastor,  or,  if  there 
be  no  pastor,  some  other  minister  officiating. 

*  Dr.  Miller's  Essay  on  Kuling  Elders,  chapter  xiii. 


36      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Sharing  expenses. 


CHAPTER  III. 

DUTIES  OF  CHURCH   MEMBERS  IN  THEIR  ASSO- 
CIATED  CAPACITY. 

The  Church  is  one  body,  and  all  the  mem- 
bers are  bound  to  exercise  a  mutual  care  for 
one  another,  and  for  the  Church  as  a  whole. 

1.  All  ought  to  pay  their  fair  proportion  of 
the  pecuniary  support  of  the  congregation,  in- 
dependently of  their  benevolent  contributions. 
Some  expense  must  always  attend  the  main- 
tenance of  Christian  ordinances.  A  sanctuary 
can  not  be  erected  without  cost.  The  ministry 
can  not  be  sustained,  so  as  to  secure  the  whole 
time  of  a  pastor  to  the  care  of  the  flock,  with- 
out provision  being  made  for  his  support. 
The  bread  and  wine  for  the  holy  communion 
must  be  paid  for  as  any  common  article.  Ar- 
rangements must  be  made  for  instructing  the 
young,  and  the  suffering  poor  must  be  assisted. 
There  is  no  reason  why  any  should  contribute 
to  these  objects  that  does  not  apply  to  every 
member  of  the  Church,  who  is  not  in  a  condi- 
tion of  utter  penury. 


THE   CHURCH.  87 


Activity  and  praj'er. 


2.  All  are  alike  bound  to  attend  upon  the 
ordinary  means  of  grace.  The  sanctuary  ought 
not  to  be  forsaken ;  nor  can  any  member  of  a 
Church  be  justified  in  being  absent  from  the 
stated  lecture  or  meeting  for  prayer  unless  sick- 
ness, or  some  special  Providence  or  pressing  ex- 
igency be  allowed  to  set  aside  such  a  duty  as 
being  for  the  time  of  inferior  consequence. 

8.  Every  member  ought  to  inquire  daily 
whether  some  obligation  to  practical  action 
does  not  devolve  on  him  or  her  for  advancing 
the  interests  of  the  Church  ;  and  no  one  ought 
to  forget  to  pray  for  all  the  members  and  offi- 
cers, and  especially  for  the  pastor,  that  God 
would  keep  and  sanctify  him,  and  crown  his 
labors  with  success. 

4.  Every  member  of  the  Church  ought  to 
endeavor  to  win  souls  to  the  love  and  service 
of  the  Saviour.  There  are  few  who  may  not 
contribute  something  to  the  work  of  teaching 
the  young,  and  leading  them  to  become  true 
discipjes  of  Christ.  Children  are  peculiarly  ac- 
cessible and  susceptible  to  good  impressions. 
An  assiduous  care,  with  long-continued  and 
faithful  instruction,  and  fervent  prayer  for  di- 
vine influence,  may  be  expected  to  secure  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  some  who  had  else  been 


88      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Saving  souls. 

neglected  and  left  to  die  in  their  sins.  There 
are  various  other  methods  also  by  which  a  sin- 
cere and  earnest  Christian  may  expect  to  suc- 
ceed in  becoming  an  instrument  in  the  conver- 
sion of  sinners.  The  securing  of  a  regular  at- 
tendance of  one  soul  upon  the  sanctuary  may 
bring  a  whole  family  into  the  kingdom  of 
Christ.  Books  or  tracts  may  be  loaned  or  giv- 
en, counsels  may  be  imparted,  and  letters  of 
friendship  may  be  written ;  and  all  who  shall 
make  it  an  object  of  cherished  desire  and  fer- 
vent prayer  to  become  the  means  of  saving 
souls,  may  at  least  hope  to  secure  some  who 
shall  be  gems  in  their  everlasting  crown. 

As  an  encouraging  illustration  of  the  power 
of  prayer  for  this  end,  we  cite  the  following  in- 
cident from  a  recent  Presbyterial  narrative  of 
the  state  of  religion.  "A  few  years  ago,  a  pas- 
tor, now  deceased,  for  a  long  time  before  his 
death  made  a  number  of  his  congregation  the 
subjects  of  special  prayer.  As  he  .lay  on  his 
dying  bed,  taking  from  under  his  pillow,  a  pa- 
per with  their  names  inscribed  on  it,  he  pre- 
sented it  to  a  brother,  saying,  'Could  I  have 
lived  to  see  their  conversion,  I  could  ask  no 
more.'  Of  these  individuals,  twenty-five  in 
number,  the  present  pastor  is  able  to  report 
the  conversion  of  everv  one." 


THE   CHURCH.  39 


Christian  liberality. 


5.  All  ought  to  cherish  and  cultivate  a  spirit 
of  Christian  liberality. 

"  There  are  certain  great  principles  laid  down 
in  Scripture  in  relation  to  giving,  and  the  use  of 
property,  respecting  which  there  is  much  general 
skepticism.     They  are  such  as  the  following : 

"(1.)  That  which  we  have,  we  hold  as  stew- 
ards that  must  give  account. 

"  (2.)  The  way  to  increase  is  to  distribute. 
Some  are  rich  because  liberal. 

"(3.)  That  which  is  given  to  the  poor  is 
loaned  to  the  Lord. 

''(4.)  That  which  is  done  to  Christ's  little 
ones  is  done  to  himself." 

This  subject  is  practically  treated  in  a  subse- 
quent section. 

6.  To  this  summary  we  may  add  the  sugges- 
tion that  the  strictest  attention  to  the  principles 
of  Church  order  is  due  from  each  member  to- 
ward the  particular  body  to  which  he  belongs. 
A  neglect  of  duties  apparently  trifling  may 
often  occasion  serious  embarrassment  to  a  pas- 
tor or  Session,  while  the  readiness  and  ease  with 
which  these  duties  may  be  performed  renders 
their  omission  the  less  excusable.  ^ 

Let  the  pastor,  then,  be  furnished  directly  with 
early  information  on  the  following  points : 


40      THE  pkesbyterian's  hand-book. 

Small  duties. 

(1.)  The  change  of  residence  of  any  Church 
member. 

(2.)  The  marriage  of  any  female  member 
(unless  performed  by  the  pastor),  with  the  hus- 
band's name  in  full. 

(3.)  The  death  of  any  communicant,  or  of 
any  child  baptized  in  the  Church,  with  the  date 
and  the  full  name  of  the  deceased  person. 

(4.)  Any  fact  that  may  be  learned  respecting 
the  residence  or  history  of  members  who  have 
removed  from  the  Church  without  a  regular 
dismission. 

To  these  items,  thus  briefly  stated,  we  present 
in  a  more  expanded  form  the  subject  of  the 

7.  Division  of  Labor. 

To  secure  the  highest  usefulness  of  the 
Church,  a  division  of  labor  is  requisite.  The 
labors  of  a  Church  are  often  of  little  value  for 
the  want  of  such  a  system  as  shall  cover  the 
whole  field  of  action,  and  secure  attention  to 
each  separate  department  of  Christian  work. 

The  pastor  must  be  expected,  as  a  skillful 
general,  to  contrive  schemes  of  action,  and  to 
see  that  suitable  persons  are  appointed  to  fur- 
ther them. 

Among  these,  the  Sunday-schools  hold  an 


THE   CHUECII.  41 


Sunday-school  work. 


important  place.  If  there  be  one  school  held 
in  the  sanctuary,  or  the  chapel,  or  lecture-room, 
a  field  is  open  for  the  employment  of  a  super- 
intendent, a  secretary,  a  librarian,  and  sometimes 
for  a  female  assistant  in  the  labors  of  the  super- 
intendent. In  addition  to  these,  there  is  room 
for  a  large  number  of  the  members  of  the  con- 
gregation in  the  work  of  teaching. 

A  difficulty  often  arises  in  adjusting  the  sup- 
ply of  teachers  and  scholars  to  one  another. 
Sometimes  teachers  can  not  be  found  for  va- 
cant classes;  at  other  times  classes  can  not  be 
found  for  the  teachers  that  offer  their  services. 

To  meet  this  difficulty,  it  will  be  safe  to  ac- 
cept every  competent  teacher.  If  there  are  not 
classes  enough,  they  may  be  increased  by  di- 
vision, since  any  person  may  find  sufficient  em- 
ployment in  teaching  one  or  two  pupils;  and 
a  small  class  may  be  made  a  nucleus  around 
which  a  larger  one  can  be  collected.  It  should 
be  made  a  principle  never  to  decline  the  recep- 
tion of  either  a  teacher  or  a  scholar. 

Even  if  teachers  do  no  more  than  to  keep 
little  children  in  order,  and  now  and  then  to 
set  a  single  text  of  Scripture,  like  a  gem,  in  the 
memory  of  a  child,  it  is  not  a  slight  thing,  inas- 
much as  in  doing  this  such  child  is  taught  to 


42         THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
Various  departments. 

love  the  sanctuary,  and  to  join  in  tliose  beauti- 
ful liymns  and  devotions  wliich  can,  of  them- 
selves, exercise  an  influence  that  pays  manifold 
for  all  the  labor  of  bringing  them  to  the  place 
and  watching  over  their  behavior.  The  Sun- 
day-school, at  the  present  day,  ought  to  employ 
nearly  all  of  the  congregation,  either  in  impart- 
ing or  receiving  instruction. 

The  ends  of  the  Sundaj^-school  are  greatly 
advanced  by  constituting  as  many  departments 
as  the  conveniences  for  room  will  allow.  If 
there  be  an  infant  department,  and  another  for 
3^oung  children  capable  of  reading  and  study- 
ing, and  another  still  for  children  from  twelve 
to  fifteen  years,  and  Bible-classes  of  a  still  high- 
er grade ;  and  if  such  arrangements  can  be  made 
that  all  can  join  in  common  exercises,  in  spirit- 
ual songs  and  prayers,  and  in  listening  to  ad- 
dresses, several  advantages  will  be  gained.  In 
the  first  place,  the  elder  children  can  be  retain- 
ed longer  under  the  influence  of  this  system 
for  juvenile  instruction. 

Where  there  is  but  one  school,  the  advanced 
pupils  come  to  feel  ashamed  of  being  associated 
as  pupils  with  those  that  are  so  much  their 
juniors.  But  if  there  are  various  departments, 
those  who  are  advanced  to  well-prepared  and 


THE  CHUECH.  43 


Graded  schools. 


separate  rooms  find  no  difficulty  in  maintain- 
ing their  self-respect,  and  still  continuing  their 
connection  with  the  system  of  congregational 
teaching.  Moreover,  in  this  plan  of  a  cluster 
of  graded  schools  instead  of  a  single  depart- 
ment, room  is  made  for  the  employment  of  a 
larger  number  in  positions  of  official  conse- 
quence. The  superintendent  of  the  infant  de- 
partment, the  superintendent  of  the  larger  de- 
partment, the  superintendent  of  the  advanced 
department,  and  the  teachers  of  the  Bible-class- 
es, male  and  female,  will  constitute  a  company  of 
five  or  more  persons,  upon  whom  responsibilities 
of  an  important  and  highly  honorable  charac- 
ter will  devolve.  Add  to  these  librarians,  pri- 
mary and  assistant  secretaries,  a  leader  of  the 
singing,  and  a  musician  presiding  at  the  melo- 
deon,  and  you  have  a  highly  respectable  corps 
of  persons  appointed  to  special  and  important 
functions.  It  requires  but  a  slight  knowledge 
of  human  nature  to  perceive  that  such,  arrange- 
ments give  satisfaction  and  secure  efficiency. 

To  these  must  be  added  a  class  of  arrange- 
ments that  shall  secure  a  social  united  action 
of  all  the  officers,  teachers,  and  pupils  together. 
Exercises  in  singing,  in  which  the  sentiments 
of  our  beautiful  Sunday-school  hymns  may  be 


44      THE  peesbyterian's  hand-book. 

Occasional  meetings. 

fixed  in  the  memory  and  impressed  upon  tbe 
hearts  of  all,  are  of  great  consequence.  They 
create  much  enjoyment  and  attachment  to  the 
school,  and  exercise  a  most  salutary  and  lasting 
religious  influence. 

A  monthly  missionary  meeting  is  also  a  most 
happy  arrangement.  It  trains  the  children  and 
teachers  to  the  work  of  benevolence,  and  fur- 
nishes opportunities  for  every  one  to  attempt 
something  in  the  way  of  pleading  the  cause  of 
missions,  and  making  collections  in  its  behalf 
It  also  opens  the  way  for  young  men  to  exer- 
cise and  cultivate  their  gifts  for  jiublic  speak- 
ing. It  is  well  to  hold  such  meetings  in  the 
sanctuary,  giving  them  the  place  of  an  after- 
noon service,  that  the  pastor  may  be  present  to 
assist,  and  that  parents  and  others  may,  by  their 
presence,  lend  countenance  and  encouragement 
to  the  work. 

These  meetings  ought  also  to  be  crowned, 
once  in  each  year,  by  an  anniversary,  for  which 
ample  preparations  should  be  made.  Full  re- 
ports may  then  be  presented  of  what  has  been 
accomplished ;  and  the  whole  work  of  juvenile 
instruction  and  missionary  labor  should  be  con- 
templated as  something  to  be  entered  upon  anew, 
with  whatever  encouragement  may  be  derived 
from  past  successes. 


THE   CHUKCH.  45 


The  neglected  poor. 


There  is  yet  another  sphere  of  Sunday-school 
labor  that  demands  attention,  especially  in  our 
city  populations. 

MISSION   SCHOOLS. 

Some  of  our  churches  have  performed  a 
beautiful  work  in  gathering  into  rooms,  in  des- 
titute localities,  a  large  number  of  the  neglected 
children,  and  teaching  them  the  Gospel.  Sev- 
eral of  our  churches  in  the  city  of  New  York 
are  thus  instructing  more  than  one  thousand 
children  each,  and  many  are  supporting  mission 
schools  with  from  one  hundred  to  five  hundred 
pupils.  In  Philadelphia  and  ISTew  York  sev- 
eral churches  have  erected,  each  for  itself,  a 
building  devoted  to  this  purpose.  Many  more 
churches  are  abundantly  able  to  do  the  same 
work.  Let  a  few  men  of  financial  ability 
make  the  necessary  investigations,  find  suit- 
able ground,  project  a  plan,  renting  a  part  of 
the  building,  if  necessary,  for  an  income,  and  it 
would  not  be  found  difficult  to  raise  sufficient 
means  for  the  achievement  of  the  work.  Many 
worldly  men,  who  have  not  faith  to  labor  for  dis- 
tant heathen  tribes,  may  be  easily  induced  to  con- 
tribute for  the  moral  and  religious  improvement 
of  the  neglected  poor  among  ourselves. 


46      THE  pkesbyterian's  hand-book. 

Periodical  collection. 

Let  every  cliurcli  consider  whether  it  has  not 
work  of  this  sort  to  perform. 

Another  department  of  usefuhiess  which  de- 
mands system  and  a  judicious  division  of  la- 
bor is 

THE  CAUSE  OF  BENEVOLENCE  GENERALLY. 

Certain  benevolent  objects  are,  by  the  usage 
of  our  churches,  brought  before  the  congrega- 
tions for  periodical  collections.  It  has  been 
deemed  wise  to  assign  each  of  these  objects,  as 
the  Bible  Society,  the  Foreign  Missionary  Cause, 
the  Seamen's  Friend  Society,  etc.,  to  a  partic- 
ular season  of  the  year. 

It  is  suggested  as  a  good  plan — a  plan  that 
has  been  successfully  employed — to  appoint  one 
or  more  persons  to  care  for  each  separate  inter- 
est of  this  sort ;  to  see  the  pastor,  and  secure 
arrangements  for  presenting  it  at  its  appropri- 
ate time,  and  to  do  whatever  may  be  deemed 
necessary  to  make  the  appeal  an  effective  one. 

It  should  be  their  care  also  to  observe  who 
are  absent  at  the  time  of  taking  the  collection, 
and  to  call  on  the  persons  in  the  w^eek  follow- 
ing, not  for  the  purpose  of  urging  them  to  give, 
but  of  allowing  them  the  opportunity  and  priv- 
ilege of  contributing. 


THE   CHUECH.  17 


Monthly  concert. 


Committees  of  one  or  two  persons  each  may 
also  be  appointed  to  take  cliarge  of  the  differ- 
ent missionary  fields,  whose  duty  it  should  be 
to  make  themselves  familiar  with  the  geogra- 
phy and  general  history  of  the  localities  assign- 
ed them,  and  to  present,  at  each  monthly  con- 
cert, a  condensed  view  of  the  condition  and 
progress  of  the  several  stations,  with  such  in- 
teresting facts  as  they  may  wish  to  communi- 
cate. A  brief  statement  made  in  the  speaker's 
own  words  will  ordinarily  awaken  more  inter- 
est than  a  consecutive  reading  from  the  mis- 
sionary publications. 

A  wise  apportionment  of  these  duties  among 
many  laborers  will  impose  but  a  slight  burden 
on  each,  and  call  into  exercise  a  larger  working 
force. 

These  views  may  be  properly  concluded  with 
some  suggestions  respecting 

8.  Benevolent  Contributions. 

"  Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,  let  every  one  of  you  lay 
by  him  in  store,  as  God  hath  prospered  him,  that  there  be  no 
gatherings  when  I  come." — 1  Cor.,  xvi.,  2. 

The  Scriptures  enjoin  the  duty  of  benevo- 
lence. The  precepts,  encouragements,  and  warn- 
ings in  relation  to  it  are  remarkably  numerous 


48         THE   PRESBYTERIAN  S   HAXD-BOOK. 
The  Scriptures  on  giving. 

and  explicit.  It  has  ever  been  recognized 
among  pious  men  as  sacred,  and  a  neglect  of 
it  is  plainly  incompatible  with  the  highest  at- 
tainments in  piety  and  usefulness. 

The  following  passages  are  referred  to  among 
a  large  number  that  inculcate  liberality:  "Hon- 
or the  Lord  with  thy  substance,  and  with  the 
first  fruits  of  all  thine  increase:  so  shall  thy 
barns  be  tilled  with  plenty,  and  thy  presses 
shall  burst  out  with  new  wine." — Prov.,  iii.,  9, 
10.  "  There  is  that  scattereth,  and  yet  increas- 
eth;  and  there  is  that  withholdeth  more  than 
is  meet,  but  it  tendeth  to  poverty.  The  liberal 
soul  shall  be  made  fat;  and  he  that  watereth 
shall  be  watered  also  himself" — Prov.,  xi.,  24, 
25.  "  I  have  showed  you  all  things,  how  that 
so  laboring  ye  ought  to  support  the  weak,  and 
to  remember  the  words  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  how 
he  said.  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  re- 
ceive."— Acts,  XX.,  35.  "But  to  do  good  and 
to  communicate,  forget  not ;  for  with  such  sacri- 
fices Grod  is  well  pleased." — Heb.,  xiii.,  16.  These 
and  other  passages,  such  as  Prov.,  xix.,  17 ;  Isa., 
xxxii.,  8;  Haggai,  ii.,  8;  Mark,  xii.,  41-44,  and 
Acts,  xi.,  29,  are  sufficiently  explicit  with  regard 
to  the  general  obligation  of  giving ;  and  the  ex- 
amples of  liberality  recorded  in  the  Scriptures 


THE   CHURCH.  49 


Systematic  charity. 


plainly  show  the  importance  attached  to  it  un- 
der the  Patriarchal,  the  Mosaic,  and  the  Chris- 
tian dispensations. 

The  Jewish  law  prescribed  a  definite  rate  of 
giving,  but  made  provision  also  for  free-will  of- 
ferings beyond  the  appointed  tithes.  The  Gos- 
pel certainly  has  not  lowered  the  standard  of 
benevolence,  while,  depending  on  the  influence 
of  its  higher  spiritual  motives,  it  prescribes  no 
definite  amount  to  be  given  away. 

It  still  enjoins,  however,  the  observance  of  a 
system  in  giving.  In  the  passage  prefixed  to 
this  section  we  are  taught  to  give  away  in  pro- 
portion to  our  prosperity,  and  at  stated  inter- 
vals. It  is  coming  to  be  more  widely  acknowl- 
edged that  this  is  the  true  principle  for  the  guid- 
ance of  the  Christian  Church.  Its  advantages 
are  apparent  for  securing  a  higher  standard  of 
benevolence,  and  greatly  increasing  the  facility 
of  giving. 

It  is  therefore  earnestly  recommended  to  all 
to  set  apart  for  benevolent  purposes,  at  regular 
intervals,  an  amount  bearing  such  a  proportion 
to  their  worldly  means,  and  such  a  relation  to 
their  prosperity,  as  seem  fairly  to  meet  the  teach- 
ings of  the  Gospel  on  this  subject.  This  appro- 
priation should  be  increased,  in  actual  amount 

D 


50      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Its  apportionment. 

not  only,  but  in  relative  proportion  also,  with 
the  growth  of  prosperity. 

Let  the  amount  periodically  set  apart  by  each 
individual  be  apportioned  by  him  judiciously 
among  the  several  objects  regularly  presented 
to  the  congregation ;  a  margin  being  reserved, 
however,  for  extra  collections  and  his  own  pri- 
vate charities.  If  such  a  plan  be  adopted,  and 
reduced  to  writing  for  the  sake  of  exactness 
and  of  easy  reference,  it  will  be  found  of  great 
use  in  regulating  and  facilitating  our  benevo- 
lent gifts. 

This  may  be  done  in  the  form  suggested  by 
the  following  card,  published  by  the  American 
Systematic  Beneficence  Society.  It  will,  of 
course,  be  understood  that  the  objects  and  times 
referred  to  may  be  changed  to  suit  persons  and 
circumstances. 

In  each  congregation  it  may  be  advisable  to 
have  such  cards  printed  for  general  circulation, 
containing  the  several  objects  regularly  present- 
ed for  collections. 


THE   CHURCH.  51 


CARD  OF  BENEFICENCE 

OF   THE 

CHURCH. 


COLLECTIONS  WILL  BE  TAKEN  IN 

THE  FOLLOWING    OBDEE. 

January. 

1      Foreign  Missions. 

1    $                   1    cts. 

March. 

1      The  City  Mission. 

May. 

1      Home  Missions. 

July. 

Sunday-school. 

September. 

Tract  Society. 

November. 

Bible  Society. 

Depending  on  the  blessing  of  Providence,  I  agree  with 
myself  and  with  the  Giver  of  all  mercies  to  divide  among 
the  above  objects  a  sum  total  of  —  per  cent,  of  my  month- 
ly or  annual  income.  Should  God  prosper  me  beyond  my 
expectations,  I  will  increase  the  percentage  accordingly. 


The  dollar  and  cent  columns  can  be  used  for  noting  the 
proportion  of  percentage  to  be  given  to  each  object,  ac- 
cording to  the  donor's  conviction  of  its  claims,  or  for  re- 
cording the  actual  amount  given. 

It  is  left  with  the  conscience  and  heart  of  every  person  to 
take  home,  Jill  out,  arid  sign  the  above  pledge,  laying  it  aside 
for  reference  and  as  a  covenant  with  God.  The  Jews,  who 
were  mostly  farmers,  gave  about  30  per  cent.  There  are 
persons  who  now  give  ten  per  cent.,  or  more,  of  their  in- 
come, to  strictly  benevolent  causes.  It  is  recommended 
that,  in  all  cases  where  it  is  possible,  at  least  six  per  cent, 
be  devoted  to  the  objects  named  in  this  card.  The  duty  of 
first  importance  is  to  decide,  intelligently  and  prayerfully, 
on  some  rate  of  beneficence,  according  as  the  Lord  has 
prospered  you,  whether  it  be  thirty,  twenty,  ten,  five,  three, 
or  two  per  cent.  No  one  but  can  give  twenty-five  cents  a 
year  to  each  of  the  above  objects. 

Where  there  is  no  fixed  income  for  the  year,  a  reckon- 
ing for  the  two  months  preceding  a  collection  can  be  made. 
And  when  the  cui-rent  year  can  not  be  calculated,  the  pre- 
ceding year  can  be  the  basis  of  calculation.  This  card  is 
not  intended  to  exclude  the  presentation  of  any  occasional 
benevolent  object. 


52         THE  PRESBYTEKIANiS  HAND-BOOK. 


Infant  dependence. 


CHAPTER  ly. 

DUTIES  AND  RESPONSIBILITIES   OF  PARENTS. 

Christian  parents  ought  to  prepare  them- 
selves for  the  great  and  responsible  work  of 
training  up  their  children  for  the  service  of 
God  and  for  heaven.  ISTo  other  human  rela- 
tion, no  other  position,  gives  one  immortal  mind 
so  much  power  to  mould  and  form  another  as 
the  relation  and  position  of  a  parent.  No  other 
person  can  gain  precedence  of  the  parent  in  the 
commencing  of  an  influence  upon  the  mind. 

The  dependence  of  infancy  on  a  mother  is 
earlier  than  the  earliest  of  possible  memories. 
The  little  one  knows  a  mother's  smile  and  a 
mother's  beneficence  before  it  recognizes  a  re- 
lation to  any  other  being  in  the  universe.  It 
perceives  the  tone  of  authority  first  in  a  moth- 
er's voice,  and  gains  its  first  idea  of  penalty 
from  a  mother's  frown.  ISTor  is  its  consciousness 
awakened  to  the  effort  of  merely  one  superior 
mind  to  control  its  earliest  purposes.  Two 
united  wills,  one  of  softer  and  gentler,  and  the 


THE   CHURCH.  53 


Books  and  teachers. 


other  of  sterner  action,  are  united  to  secure  a 
perfect  moral  control. 

Yet  parents,  and  especially  young  parents, 
have  much  to  learn  in  order  that  they  may 
wisely  and  successfully  train  their  children. 
To  this  end  the  Scriptures  are  to  be  diligently 
studied,  and  daily  prayer  is  to  be  offered  for 
wisdom  from  above. 

It  is  not  consonant  to  the  purpose  of  this 
manual  to  furnish  extended  instruction  on  this 
or  any  other  branch  of  Christian  duty.  Useful 
books  might  be  named  as  suggesting  the  kind 
of  reading  which  may  be  made  available  in  fur- 
nishing parents  for  their  great  work — the  most 
momentous  work  of  their  lives.  Such  publi- 
cations as  "  Witherspoon's  Letters,"  Abbott's 
"  Mother  at  Home,"  "  The  Mother's  Magazine," 
and  a  large  list  of  productions  of  a  similar  char- 
acter, may  be  easily  found  by  reference  to  our 
Sunday-school  and  other  religious  libraries. 

To  this  recommendation  of  books  may  be 
added  a  word  of  counsel  and  of  caution.  More 
can  often  be  learned  from  living  teachers,  and 
by  availing  one's*  self  of  the  current  experience 
of  Christian  friends,  than  by  resorting  to  writ- 
ten treatises.  The  chief  end  of  instruction  is 
not  so  much  to  fill  the  mind  with  a  set  of  rules 


54      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Authority  and  restraint. 


and  maxims  to  be  mechanically  followed,  as  to 
furnish,  it  with  useful  information,  to  secure  the 
adoption  of  right  principles,  and  to  mature  the 
judgment.  Beyond  this  parents  are  to  be  left 
to  mutual  counsel  and  prayer.  Exigencies  will 
arise,  to  meet  which  no  specific  instruction  will 
be  found  adequate. 

It  may  not  be  improper,  however,  in  this 
place  to  suggest  a  few  hints  touching  the  duties 
of  parents  generally. 

1.  It  is  their  duty  to  establish  their  authority 
over  their  children,  and  thus  impart  to  them  a 
just  sense  of  the  nature  and  importance  of  obe- 
dience. This  idea,  and  the  habit  of  obeying,  will 
prepare  the  way  for  a  recognition  of  God's  au- 
thority, and  hence  will  be  highly  favorable  to 
an  early  conversion  and  to  Christian  usefulness. 

2.  Children  ought  to  be  restrained  absolute- 
ly from  what  is  wrong. 

We  mean  to  say  that  Christianity  and  Chris- 
tian wisdom  know  nothing  of  two  sets  of  moral 
injunctions,  one  for  pious  and  another  for  un- 
converted children.  True,  a  parent  may  lose 
the  power  of  restraining  a  child,  or  of  restrain- 
ing without  producing  such  an  irritation  in  one 
approaching  maturity  as  shall  work  more  harm 
to  the  prospect  of  reformation  than  indulgence 


THE   CHURCH.  55 


Rules  for  training  children. 


would  do  in  its  stead.  Of  course,  it  is  not  wise 
to  attempt  what  there  is  no  power  to  accom- 
plish.. 

8.  Children  ought  to  be  inured  to  a  scrupu- 
lous performance  of  their  religious  duties.  Thej 
are  to  be  trained  from  early  childhood  to  be  al- 
ways in  their  place  around  the  family  altar,  in 
the  sanctuary,  at  the  lecture,  and  in  the  circle 
of  social  prayer. 

4.  Children  ought  to  be  guarded  carefully 
and  skillfully  against  the  power  of  temptation. 

Too  much  must  not  be  exacted,  while  they 
are  allowed  in  nothing  absolutely  wicked.  Per- 
haps no  one  thing  is  of  greater  moment  than 
wisely  alluring  them  from  a  dangerous  to  a  safe 
diversion.  A  Christian  parent  might  better  af- 
ford to  expend  a  considerable  sum  to  give  to 
his  son  some  safe  and  ennobling  gratification, 
than  to  allow  him  a  pittance  to  visit  some  dan- 
gerous place  of  public  amusement. 

5.  Children  ought  to  be  made,  by  their  par- 
ents, the  objects  of  fervent  prayer  and  faithful 
pious  counsels. 

To  this  end  family  worship  should  be  main- 
tained ;  systematic  instruction  should  be  im- 
parted; and  the  children,  from  their  earliest 
years,  should  be  accustomed  to  kind,  tender 


56      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Instruction.  Catechisms. 

Christian  conversation.  They  should  also  be 
taught  to  pray. 

These  duties  can  be  easily  performed  by  par- 
ents that  accustom  themselves  to  the  work  from 
the  infancy  of  their  children.  A  pastor  and  a 
Sunday-school  teacher  may  be  a  great  assist- 
ance to  parents  in  the  successful  performance  of 
these  duties;  but  nothing  can  relieve  the  latter 
from  a  responsibility  in  respect  to  their  own 
offspring,  such  as  can  be  imposed  on  no  other 
human  being. 

It  is  proposed  to  complete  this  view  of  pa- 
rental duty  by  subjoining  a  brief  system  of  in- 
struction, and  a  few  forms  of  devotional  assist- 
ance. 

A  short  explanation  of  the  design  of  this  ap- 
pendage may  not  be  out  of  place. 

The  Initiatory  Catechism  passes  over  the  same 
general  ground  as  the  Assembly's  Shorter  Cate- 
chism, with  a  little  additional  matter  in  respect 
to  the  ecclesiastical  arrangements  of  our  revered 
and  beloved  Church.  This  is  the  main  thing 
which  distinguishes  it  as  the  Presbyterian  Initia- 
tory Catechism.  The  Assembly's  Shorter  Cate- 
chism is  added  in  a  compact  style,  in  order  that 
these  forms  of  instruction,  by  being  bound  up 
in  the  Manual,  may  serve  to  remind  parents  of 


THE  CHURCH.  57 


Initiatory  Catecliism, 


their  duty,  and  that  they  may  not  be  lost,  as  they 
are  apt  to  be  when  possessed  only  in  the  cheap 
penny  editions  prepared  for  children's  classes. 
The  devotional  forms  are  added,  not  for  the 
purpose  of  recommending  precomposed  pray- 
ers, but  only  as  crutches  for  the  lame — assist- 
ance for  those  who,  from  beginning  late  in  life, 
or  from  an  insuperable  difl&dence,  would  neglect 
family  worship  altogether  if  not  thus  aided. 

INITIATORY  CATECHISM. 

PART  I.— CHRISTIAN  DOCTRINE. 

1.  Who  made  you? 
God. 

2.  What  else  has  God  made  ? 
He  made  all  things. 

8.  Of  what  did  God  make  all  things? 
Of  nothing. 

4.  For  what  did  God  make  you  ? 
To  love  and  serve  him. 

5.  What  will  make  you  most  happy  ? 
To  love  and  serve  God. 

6.  How  long  will  it  make  you  happy  to  love 
and  serve  God  ? 

All  my  life. 

7.  Will  to  love  and  serve  God  make  you 
happy  in  the  next  world  too? 


58      THE  presbytekian's  hand-book. 

Initiatory  Catechism. 

Yes,  when  I  die. 

8.  What  is  the  rule  to  show  you  how  to  love 
and  serve  God  ? 

The  Word  of  God. 

9.  What  does  the  Word  of  God  teach  you  ? 
To  love  the  truth  and  do  right. 

10.  Is  God  good? 

Yes ;  in  all  he  thinks  and  does. 

11.  Does  God  know  all  things  ? 
Yes ;  he  knows  all  ray  thoughts. 

12.  Does  God  see  all  things  ? 

Yes ;  and  he  sees  me  all  the  time,  night  and 
day. 

13.  Did  God  make  all  men  at  once? 

No ;  he  first  made  one  man  and  one  woman. 

14.  What  were  their  names  ? 
Adam  and  Eve. 

15.  Were  they  good  or  bad  when  God  made 
them  ? 

They  were  good. 

16.  What  do  you  mean  by  saying  that  they 
were  good  ? 

I  mean  they  felt  right  and  did  right  all  the 
time. 

17.  Did  they  keep  on  so  ? 
No ;  they  sinned  and  fell. 

18.  What  is  sin? 


THE   CHURCH.  59 


Initiatory  Catechism. 


To  sin  is  to  feel  wrong  or  do  wrong. 

19.  What  was  the  sin  by  which  Adam  and 
Eve  fell? 

They  ate  the  fruit  which  God  told  them  they 
must  not  eat. 

20.  Did  all  men  fall  in  the  first  sin  of  Adam 
and  Eve  ? 

Yes ;  we  are  born  like  them,  and  we  all  sin 
as  soon  as  we  know  right  and  wrong. 

21.  Into  what  state  has  the  fall  brought  men  ? 
The  fall  has  brought  all  men  into  a  lost  state. 

22.  Did  God  leave  men  in  this  lost  state  ? 
No ;  he  sent  Christ  to  save  them. 

23.  Who  is  Christ? 
The  Son  of  God. 

24.  Is  Christ  God? 

Yes ;  Christ  is  both  God  and  man. 

25.  Is  the  Holy  Spirit  God? 
Yes ;  the  Holy  Spirit  is  God  too. 

26.  Is  the  Father  God? 

Yes ;  our  Father  in  heaven  is  God. 

27.  Does  God  order  all  things  by  his  provi- 
dence ? 

Yes ;  a  sparrow  can  not  fall  without  our  Fa- 
ther. 

28.  Is  there  more  than  one  God  ? 
No ;  there  is  but  one  true  God. 


60      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Initiatory  Catechism. 


29.  IIow  did  Christ  become  man  ? 

He  was  born. 

80.  Did  Christ  live  before  he  became  man  ? 

Yes ;  he  lived  in  heaven. 

31.  For  how  many  things  is  Christ  made 
known  to  you  ? 

Three. 

32.  What  are  they  ? 

He  is  my  Prophet,  my  Priest,  and  my  King. 

33.  For  what  is  he  made  your  Prophet  ? 
To  teach  me. 

34.  "What  does  he  teach  you  ? 
The  will  of  God. 

35.  In  what  way  does  he  teach  you  the  will 
of  God? 

In  three  ways. 

36.  What  is  the  first? 
By  his  Word. 

37.  What  is  the  next? 
By  his  good  deeds. 

38.  What  is  the  third? 
By  the  Holy  Spirit. 

39.  What  has  Christ  done  for  you  as  your 
Priest  ? 

He  has  died  for  me. 

40.  How  did  Christ  die  for  you  ? 
On  the  Cross. 


THE  CHURCH.  61 


Initiatory  Catechism. 


41.  Why  did  he  die  for  you  ? 
That  he  might  bear  my  sins. 

42.  Was  Christ  laid  in  the  grave  ? 
Yes ;  but  he  rose  again  the  third  day. 

43.  How  long  did  he  stay  in  the  world  after 
he  rose  from  the  dead  ? 

Five  weeks  and  five  days. 

44.  Where  did  he  go  then  ? 
To  heaven. 

45.  Will  he  die  again  for  you  ? 
No ;  he  dies  but  once. 

46.  What  else  does  Christ  do  for  you  as  your 
Priest  ? 

He  prays  for  me. 

47.  Will  he  pray  for  you  more  than  once  ? 
Yes ;  he  still  lives  in  heaven  to  pray  for  me. 

48.  What  does  Christ  do  for  you  as  your 
King? 

He  makes  me  give  up  my  will  to  his,  and 
rules  me  by  his  word. 

49.  What  do  you  mean  by  Christ's  humilia- 
tion? 

The  low  state  to  which  he  came  when  he 
was  made  man. 

50.  How  many  things  are  there  in  his  low 
state  ? 

Five. 


62      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Initiatory  Catechism. 

51.  What  is  the  first? 
He  was  born. 
62.  What  is  the  second? 
He  was  poor. 

53.  What  is  the  third? 
He  bore  the  ills  of  life. 

54.  What  is  the  fourth? 
He  died  on  the  Cross. 

55.  What  is  the  fifth? 

He  lay  in  the  grave  till  the  third  day. 

56.  What  do  you  mean  by  Christ's  exalta- 
tion? 

The  high  state  to  which  he  came  when  he 
rose  from  the  dead. 

57.  How  many  things  are  there  in  this  high 
state  ? 

Five. 

58.  What  is  the  first? 
He  rose  from  the  dead. 

59.  What  is  the  second  ? 
He  went  up  to  heaven. 

60.  What  is  the  third? 

He  sat  down  at  the  right  hand  of  God. 

61.  What  is  the  fourth? 

He  rules  all  the  world  as  King  of  kings. 

62.  What  is  the  fifth? 

He  will  come  to  judge  the  world. 


THE   CHURCH.  63 


Initiatory  Catechism. 


63.  What  is  a  disciple  of  Christ  ? 

One  who  learns  and  does  the  will  of  Christ. 

64.  By  what  are  you  made  a  disciple  of 
Christ? 

By  the  Holy  Spirit. 

65.  How  does  the  Holy  Spirit  make  you  a 
disciple  of  Christ? 

He  works  faith  in  me. 

66.  What  is  faith? 
Trust  in  Christ. 

67.  What  will  God  do  for  you  if  you  trust 
in  Christ? 

Three  things. 

68.  What  three  things  ? 

He  will  justify  me,  he  will  adopt  me,  and  he 
will  sanctify  me. 

69.  What  does  God  do  when  he  justifies  you? 
He  forgives  my  sins  and  treats  me  as  if  I  were 

good. 

70.  What  does  God  do  for  you  when  he 
adopts  you  ? 

He  takes  me  for  his  child. 

71.  What  does  he  do  for  you  when  he  sanc- 
tifies you  ? 

He  makes  me  holy,  more  and  more. 

72.  What  will  God  do  for  you  in  this  world 
if  you  trust  in  Christ  ? 


64        THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  -HAND-BOOK. 

Initiatory  Catechism. 

If  I  trust  in  Christ,  God  will  love  me  and 
make  me  happy,  and  help  me  to  serve  him  as 
long  as  I  live. 

73.  What  will  God  do  for  you  when  you  die, 
if  you  now  trust  in  Christ  ? 

If  I  now  trust  in  Christ,  God  will  make  me 
holy  and  happy  when  I  die. 

PART  II.— CHRISTIAN  DUTY. 

74.  What  does  God  bid  you  to  do  ? 
He  bids  me  to  obey  his  will. 

75.  How  many  commandments  of  God  are 
there  ? 

Ten. 

76.  On  what  did  God,  at  first,  write  the  ten 
commandments  ? 

On  two  tables  of  stone. 

77.  How  many  are  there  on  the  first  table? 
Four. 

78.  How  many  on  the  second  ? 
Six. 

79.  What  does  the  first  table  contain  ? 
Our  duty  to  God. 

80.  What  does  the  second  table  contain  ? 
Our  duty  to  man. 

81.  What  is  the  whole  law  ? 
Love  to  God  and  love  to  man. 


THE   CHURCH.  65 


Initiatory  Catechism. 


82.  How  much  must  you  love  God  ? 
With  all  my  heart. 

83.  How  much  must  you  love  man  ? 
As  much  as  I  love  myself. 

84.  What  are  the  ten  commandments  called  ? 
The  Decalogue. 

85.  What  does  God  bid  you  to  do  in  the  first 
commandment  ? 

He  bids  me  to  take  the  Lord  alone  to  be  my 
God. 

86.  What  does  God  bid  you  not  to  do  in  the 
second  commandment  ? 

He  bids  me  not  to  worship  images. 

87.  What  does  God  bid  you  not  to  do  in  the 
third  commandment  ? 

He  bids  me  not  to  take  his  name  in  vain. 

88.  What  does  God  bid  you  to  do  in  the 
fourth  commandment  ? 

To  remember  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy. 

89.  What  does  God  bid  you  to  do  in  the  fifth 
commandment  ? 

To  honor  my  parents. 

90.  What  does  God  bid  you  not  to  do  in  the 
sixth  commandment. 

He  bids  me  not  to  kill. 

91.  What  does  God  forbid  you  to  do  in  the 
seventh  commandment? 

E 


66      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Initiatory  Catechism. 

God  forbids  me  to  say  or  do  any  thing  that 
is  impure. 

92.  What  does  God  bid  you  not  to  do  in  the 
eighth  commandment  ? 

He  bids  me  not  to  cheat  or  steal. 

93.  What  does  God  bid  you  not  to  do  in  the 
ninth  commandment  ? 

He  bids  me  not  to  lie  or  to  speak  evil  of 
others. 

94.  What  does  God  bid  you  not  to  do  in  the 
tenth  commandment? 

He  bids  me  not  to  covet  what  belongs  to  any 
body  else. 

95.  How  ought  you  to  keep  these  command- 
ments ? 

I  ought  to  keep  every  one  of  them  all  the 
time. 

96.  Do  you  thus  keep  them? 
No ;  I  break  them  every  day. 

97.  How  do  you  break  them? 

In  my  thoughts,  words,  and  actions. 

98.  What  does  the  breaking  of  any  of  these 
commandments  deserve? 

God's  displeasure  forever. 

99.  How  can  you  escape  God's  displeasure? 
By  faith  and  repentance. 

100.  What  is  faith? 


THE   CHURCH.  67 


Initiatory  Catechism. 


Trust  in  Christ. 

101.  What  is  repentance  ? 
Sorrow  for  sin. 

102.  Can  you  believe  and  repent  of  yourself  ? 
No ;  faith  and  repentance  are  the  gift  of  God. 

103.  What  are  the  principal  means  of  grace  ? 
The  word  of  Grod,  the  sacraments,  and  prayer. 

104.  What  must  you  do  that  the  word  of 
God  may  be  made  the  means  of  salvation  to 
you? 

I  must  read  or  hear  it,  and  pray  to  God. 

105.  What  is  a  sacrament  ? 

A  sacrament  is  a  holy  ordinance  instituted 
by  Christ. 

106.  How  do  the  sacraments  become  the 
means  of  salvation  ? 

By  the  blessing  of  Christ,  and  the  work  of 
the  Holy  Spirit. 

107.  How  many  sacraments  are  there  in  the 
New  Testament? 

Two  only. 

108.  What  are  they? 
Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper. 

109.  What  is  Baptism? 

Baptism  is  putting  water  on  a  person  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost. 


68      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Initiatory  Catechism. 

110.  Who  may  be  baptized? 
Believers  in  Christ  and  their  children. 

111.  What  is  the  Lord's  Supper? 

The  Lord's  Supper  is  a  sacrament,  wherein 
by  giving  and  receiving  bread  and  wine,  ac- 
cording to  Christ's  appointment,  his  death  is 
showed  forth. 

112.  What  is  prayer? 

Prayer  is  the  offering  up  of  our  desires  unto 
God. 

118.  What  is  the  Lord's  Prayer? 

The  Lord's  Prayer  is  the  prayer  which  Christ 
taught  his  disciples. 

114.  How  are  we  taught  to  address  God  in 
the  Lord's  Prayer  ? 

As  Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven. 

115.  How  many  petitions  are  there  in  the 
Lord's  Prayer  ? 

Five. 

116.  Which  is  the  first  petition? 
Hallowed  be  thy  name. 

117.  Which  is  the  second  ? 

Thy  kingdom  come;  thy  will  be  done  in 
earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven. 

118.  Which  is  the  third? 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  * 

119.  Which  is  the  fourth? 


THE   CHURCH.  69 


Initiatory  Catechism. 


Forgive  us  our  debts  as  we  forgive  our  debt- 
ors. 

120.  Which  is  the  fifth? 

Lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us 
from  evil. 

121.  What  is  the  conclusion  of  the  Lord's 
prayer  ? 

For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and 
the  glory,  forever.     Amen. 

PART  III.— THE  CHRISTIAN  CHURCH. 

122.  Of  what  does  the  Church  consist? 
The  Church  consists  of  Christ's  people  and 

their  children. 

123.  What  is  the  Church  universal? 

The  Church  universal  is  all  Christ's  people 
in  the  whole  world  and  their  children. 

124.  What  is  a  Church  as  a  single  worship- 
ing assembly  ? 

It  is  a  society  of  Christ's  people  and  their 
children,  with  their  proper  oflSicers. 

125.  What  are  the  officers  of  Christ's  Church? 
The  officers  of  Christ's  Church  are  bishops  or 

pastors,  ruling  elders  and  deacons. 

126.  Are  there  any  higher  officers  in  Christ's 
Church  ? 

ISTo ;  Christ  is  the  only  head  of  His  Church, 


70      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

The  Lord's  Prayer. 

and  tlicre  is  no  higher  officer  in  the  Church  of 
Christ  than  the  bishop  of  a  congregation. 

127.  Are  all  bishops  or  ministers  equal  ? 
Yes ;  every  minister  or  pastor  is  bishoj)  of 

his  own  congregation,  and  all  bishops  are  equal. 

128.  "What  are  ruling  elders  ? 

Euling  elders  are  men  who,  with  the  minister 
or  bishop,  have  the  spiritual  oversight  of  the 
congregation. 

129.  What  are  deacons  ? 

Deacons  are  men  who  have  the  care  of  the 
poor. 

THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be 
thy  name. 

Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in 
earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven. 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread. 

And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our 
debtors. 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver 
us  from  evil:  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  forever.     Amen. 


THE   CHURCH.  71 


The  Ten  Commandments. 


THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS. 

EXODUS,  XX. 

God  spake  all  these  words,  saying,  I  am  the 
Lord  thy  God,  which  have  brought  thee  out  of 
the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  house  of  bondage. 

I.  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

II.  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  grav- 
en image,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in 
heaven  above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath, 
or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth ;  thou 
shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to  them,  nor  serve 
them;  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous 
God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon 
the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth  genera- 
tion of  them  that  hate  me,  and  showing  mercy 
unto  thousands  of  them  that  love  me  and  keep 
my  commandments. 

III.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the 
Lord  thy  God  in  vain;  for  the  Lord  will  not 
hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

IV.  Ee member  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it 
holy.  Six  days  shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all 
thy  work ;  but  the  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath 
of  the  Lord  thy  God ;  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do 
any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter, 
thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy 


72      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

The  Shorter  Catechism. 

cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates ; 
for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth, 
the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the 
seventh  day;  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the 
Sabbath  day  and  hallowed  it. 

V.  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  that 
thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

YL  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

YIL  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

YIII.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX.  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against 
thy  neighbor. 

X.  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house, 
thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his 
man-servant,  nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox, 
nor  his  ass,  nor  any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbor's. 


© 


THE  SHOETER  CATECHISM. 

JLy' What  is  the  chief  end  of  man  ? 

Man's  chief  end  is  to  glorify  God,  and  to  en- 
joy him  forever. 

2.  "What  rule  hath  God  given  to  direct  us 
how  we  may  glorify  and  enjoy  him? 

The  word  of  God,  which  is  contained  in  the 
Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  is 
the  only  rule  to  direct  us  how  we  may  glorify 
and  enjoy  him. 


THE  CHURCH.  73 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


{^/"Wliat  do  the  Scriptures  principally  teach? 

The  Scriptures  principally  teach  what  man  is 
to  believe  concerning  God,  and  what  duty  God 
requires  of  man. 
^4.  What  is  God? 

God  is  a  Spirit,  infinite,  eternal,  and  unchange- 
able in  his  being,  wisdom,  power,  holiness,  jus- 
tice, goodness,  and  truth. 

5.  Are  there  more  Gods  than  one  ? 

There  is  but  one  only,  the  living  and  true 
God. 

6.  How  many  persons  are  there  in  the  God- 
head ? 

There  are  three  persons  in  the  Godhead — the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  these 
three  are  one  God,  the  same  in  substance,  equal 
in  power  and  glory. 
^  7.  What  are  the  decrees  of  God  ? 

The  decrees  of  God  are  his  eternal  purpose, 
according  to  the  counsel  of  his  will,  whereby  for 
his  own  glory  he  hath  foreordained  whatsoever 
comes  to  pass. 

8.  How  doth  God  execute  his  decrees  ? 

God  executeth  his  decrees  in  the  works  of 
creation  and  providence. 
f  9./' What  is  the  work  of  creation  ? 

The  work  of  creation  is  God's  making  all 


7-i      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

The  Shorter  Catechism. 

things  of  nothing,  by  the  word  of  his  power,  in 
the  space  of  six  days,  and  all  very  good. 
ylO.  How  did  God  create  man  ? 
God  created  man  male  and  female,  after  his 
own  image,  in  knowledge,  righteousness,  and 
holiness,  with  dominion  over  the  creatures. 

11.  What  are  God's  works  of  providence  ? 
God's  works  of  providence  are  his  most  holy, 

wise,  and  powerful  preserving  and  governing  all 
his  creatures,  and  all  their  actions. 

12.  What  special  act  of  providence  did  God 
exercise  toward  man,  in  the  estate  wherein  he 
was  created  ? 

When  God  had  created  man,  he  entered  into 
a  covenant  of  life  with  him,  upon  condition  of 
perfect  obedience,  forbidding  him  to  eat  of  the 
tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  upon 
the  pain  of  death. 

13.  Did  our  first  parents  continue  in  the  es- 
tate wherein  they  were  created  ? 

Our  first  parents,  being  left  to  the  freedom 
of  their  own  will,  fell  from  the  estate  wherein 
they  were  created  by  sinning  against  God. 

14.  What  is  sin  ? 

Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  unto,  or  trans- 
gression of,  the  law  of  God. 

15.  What  was  the  sin  whereby  our  first  par- 


THE   CHURCH.  75 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


ents  fell  from  the  estate  wherein  they  were 
created  ? 

The  sin  whereby  our  first  parents  fell  from 
the  estate  wherein  they  were  created  was  their 
eating  the  forbidden  fruit. 

46.  Did  all  mankind  fall  in  Adam's  first 
transgression  ? 

The  covenant  being  made  with  Adam,  not 
only  for  himself  but  for  his  posterity,  all  man- 
kind, descending  from  him  by  ordinary  genera- 
tion, sinned  in  him,  and  fell  with  him  in  his  first 
transgression. 

17.  Into  what  estate  did  the  fall  bring  man- 
kind? 

The  fall  brought  mankind  into  an  estate  of 
sin  and  misery. 

18.  Wherein  consists  the  sinfulness  of  that 
estate  whereinto  man  fell  ? 

The  sinfulness  of  that  estate  whereinto  man 
fell  consists  in  the  guilt  of  Adam's  first  sin,  the 
want  of  original  righteousness,  and  the  corrup- 
tion of  his  whole  nature,  which  is  commonly 
called  Original  Sin  ;  together  with  all  actual 
transgressions  which  proceed  from  it. 

19.  What  is  the  misery  of  that  estate  where- 
into man  fell  ? 

All  mankind,  by  their  fall,  lost  communion 


76      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

The  Shorter  Catechism, 

with  God,  are  under  his  wrath  and  curse,  and 
so  made  liable  to  all  the  miseries  of  this  life,  to 
death  itself,  and  to  the  pains  of  hell  forever. 

20.  Did  God  leave  all  mankind  to  perish  in 
the  estate  of  sin  and  misery  ? 

God  having,  out  of  his  mere  good  pleasure, 
from  all  eternity,  elected  some  to  everlasting 
life,  did  enter  into  a  covenant  of  grace  to  deliv- 
er them  out  of  the  estate  of  sin  and  misery,  and 
to  bring  them  into  an  estate  of  salvation,  by  a 
Eedeemer. 

21.  Who  is  the  Eedeemer  of  God's  elect? 
The  only  Eedeemer  of  God's  elect  is  the  Lord 

Jesus  Christ,  who,  being  the  eternal  Son  of  God, 
became  man,  and  so  was,  and  continueth  to  be, 
God  and  man,  in  two  distinct  natures,  and  one 
person  forever. 

22.  How  did  Christ,  being  the  Son  of  God, 
become  man  ? 

Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  became  man  by  tak- 
ing to  himself  a  true  body,  and  a  reasonable 
soul,  being  conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  in  the  womb  of  the  "Virgin  Mary,  and 
born  of  her,  yet  without  sin. 

23.  What  offices  doth  Christ  execute  as  our 
Eedeemer  ? 

Christ,  as  our  Eedeemer,  executeth  the  offices 


THE   CHURCH.  77 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


of  a  propliet,  of  a  priest,  and  of  a  king,  both  in 
his  estate  of  humiHation  and  exaltation. 

24.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a 
prophet  ? 

Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  prophet  in 
revealing  to  ns,  by  his  Word  and  Spirit,  the  will 
of  God  for  our  salvation. 

25.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a 
priest  ? 

Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  priest  in  his 
once  offering  up  of  himself  a  sacrifice  to  satisfy 
divine  justice,  and  reconcile  us  to  Grod,  and  in 
making  continual  intercession  for  us. 

26.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a 
king? 

Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  king  in  sub- 
duing us  to  himself,  in  ruling  and  defending  us, 
and  in  restraining  and  conquering  all  his  and 
our  enemies. 

27.  Wherein  did  Christ's  humiliation  consist? 
Christ's  humiliation  consisted  in  his  being 

born,  and  that  in  a  low  condition,  made  under 
the  law,  undergoing  the  miseries  of  this  life,  the 
wrath  of  God,  and  the  cursed  death  of  the  cross; 
in  being  buried,  and  continuing  under  the  pow- 
er of  death  for  a  time. 
.   28.  Wherein  consisteth  Christ's  exaltation  ? 


78      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


Christ's  exaltation  consisteth  in  his  rising 
again  from  the  dead  on  the  third  day,  in  as- 
cending up  into  heaven,  in  sitting  at  the  right 
hand  of  God  the  Father,  and  in  coming  to  judge 
the  world  at  the  last  day. 

29.  How  are  we  made  partakers  of  the  re- 
demption purchased  by  Christ  ? 

We  are  made  partakers  of  the  redemption 
purchased  by  Christ  by  the  effectual  application 
of  it  to  us  by  his  Holy  Spirit. 

80.  How  doth  the  Spirit  apply  to  us  the  re- 
demption purchased  by  Christ  ? 

The  Spirit  applieth  to  us  the  redemption  pur- 
chased by  Christ  by  working  faith  in  us,  and 
thereby  uniting  us  to  Christ  in  our  effectual 
calling. 

31.  What  is  effectual  calling  ? 

Effectual  calling  is  the  work  of  God's  Spirit, 
whereby,  convincing  us  of  our  sin  and  misery, 
enlightening  our  minds  in  the  knowledge  of 
Christ,  and  renewing  our  wills,  he  doth  per- 
suade and  enable  us  to  embrace  Jesus  Christ, 
freely  offered  to  us  in  the  Gospel. 

82.  What  benefits  do  they  that  are  effectual- 
ly called  partake  of  in  this  life  ? 

They  that  are  effectually  called  do  in  this  life 
partake  of  justification,  adoption,  sanctification, 


THE   CHUKCH.  79 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


and  the  several  benefits  wliicli  in  this  life  do 
either  accompany  or  flow  from  them. 
,  83.,  What  is  justification  ? 
"'Justification  is  an  act  of  God's  free  grace, 
wherein  he  pardoneth  all  our  sins  and  accept- 
eth  us  as  righteous  in  his  sight,  only  for  the 
righteousness  of  Christ  imputed  to  us,  and  re- 
ceived by  faith  alone. 
;  84.  What  is  adoption  ? 

Adoption  is  an  act  of  God's  free  grace,  where- 
by we  are  received  into  the  number,  and  have 
a  right  to  all  the  privileges  of  the  sons  of  God. 

S6.  What  is  sanctification  ? 

Sanctification  is  the  work  of  God's  free  grace, 
whereby  we  are  renewed  in  the  whole  man  after 
the  image  of  God,  and  are  enabled  more  and  more 
to  die  unto  sin  and  live  unto  righteousness. 

S6.  What  are  the  benefits  which  in  this  life 
do  accompany  or  flow  from  justification,  adop- 
tion, and  sanctification  ? 

The  benefits  which  in  this  life  do  accompany 
or  flow  from  justification,  adoption,  and  sancti- 
fication are,  assurance  of  God's  love,  peace  of 
conscience,  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  increase  of 
grace,  and  perseverance  therein  to  the  end. 

87.  What  benefits  do  believers  receive  from 
Christ  at  their  death  ? 


80         THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAKD-BOOK. 
The  Shorter  Catechism. 

The  souls  of  believers  are,  at  their  death, 
made  perfect  in  holiness,  and  do  immediately 
pass  into  glory ;  and  their  bodies,  being  still 
united  to  Christ,  do  rest  in  their  graves  till  the 
resurrection. 

88.  What  benefits  do  believers  receive  from 
Christ  at  the  resurrection  ? 

At  the  resurrection,  believers,  being  raised  up 
to  glory,  shall  be  openly  acknowledged  and  ac- 
quitted in  the  day  of  judgment,  and  made  per- 
fectly blessed  in  the  full  enjoying  of  God  to  all 
eternity. 

i^BdJ  What  is  the  duty  which.  God  requireth 
of  man  ? 

The  duty  which  God  requireth  of  man  is 
obedience  to  his  revealed  will. 

40.  What  did  God  at  first  reveal  to  man  for 
the  rule  of  his  obedience  ? 

The  rule  which  God  at  first  revealed  to'  man 
for  his  obedience  was  the  moral  law. 

41.  Wherein  is  the  moral  law  summarily 
comprehended  ? 

The  moral  law  is  summarily  comprehended 
in  the  ten  commandments. 

(42;  What  is  the  sum  of  the  ten  command- 
ments ? 

The  sum  of  the  ten  commandments  is.  To 


THE   CHURCH.  81 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


love  the  Lord  our  God  with  all  our  heart,  with 
all  our  soul,  with  all  our  strength,  and  with  all 
our  mind ;  and  our  neighbor  as  ourselves. 

43.  What  is  the  preface  to  the  ten  command- 
ments ? 

The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  is  in 
these  words :  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  have 
brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of 
the  house  of  bondage. 

44.  "What  doth  the  preface  to  the  ten  com- 
mandments teach  us  ? 

The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  teach- 
eth  us  that  because  God  is  the  Lord,  and  our 
God  and  Eedeemer,  therefore  we  are  bound  to 
keep  all  his  commandments. 

45.  Which  is  the  first  commandment  ? 

The  first  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  have 
no  other  Gods  before  liie. 

46.  What  is  required  in  the  first  command- 
ment? 

The  first  commandment  requireth  us  to  know 
and  acknowledge  God  to  be  the  only  true  God, 
and  our  God,  and  to  worship  and  glorify  him 
accordingly. 

47.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  first  command- 
ment? 

The  first  commandment  forbiddeth  the  deny- 

F 


82      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

The  Shorter  Catechism. 

ing,  or  not  worshiping  and  glorifying  the  true 
God  as  God,  and  our  God,  and  the  giving  of 
that  worship  and  glory  to  any  other  which  is 
due  to  him  alone. 

48.  What  are  we  specially  taught  by  these 
words  "before  me"  in  the  first  commandment? 

These  words  "before  me"  in  the  first  com- 
mandment teach  us  that  God,  who  seeth  all 
things,  taketh  notice  of,  and  is  much  displeased 
with  the  sin  of  having  any  other  God. 
'  49.  Which  is  the  second  commandment  ? 

The  second  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
make  unto  thee  any  graven  image,  or  any  like- 
)  ness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or 
\  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the 
water  under  the  earth.  Thou  shalt  not  bow 
down  thyself  to  them,  nor  serve  them ;  for  I 
the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting 
the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children, 
unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them 
that  hate  me ;  and  showing  mercy  unto  thou- 
sands of  them  that  love  me  and  keep  my  com- 
mandments. 

50.  What  is  required  in  the  second  com- 
mandment ? 

The  second  commandment  requireth  the  re- 
ceiving, observing,  and  keeping  pure  and  entire 


THE   CHURCH.  83 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


all  such  religious  worship  and  ordinances  as  God 
hath  appointed  in  his  Word. 

51.  "What  is  forbidden  in  the  second  com- 
mandment ? 

The  second  commandment  forbiddeth  the 
worshiping  of  God  by  images,  or  any  other  way 
not  appointed  in  his  Word. 

52.  What  are  the  reasons  annexed  to  the  sec- 
ond commandment? 

The  reasons  annexed  to  the  second  command- 
ment are  God's  sovereignty  over  us,  his  proprie- 
ty in  us,  and  the  zeal  he  hath  to  his  own  worship. 
/  68.  Which  is  tbe  third  commandment? 

The  third  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain ; 
for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that 
taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

54.  What  is  required  in  the  third  command- 
ment? 

The  third  commandment  requireth  the  holy 
and  reverent  use  of  God's  names,  titles,  attri- 
butes, ordinances.  Word,  and  works. 

55.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  third  command- 
ment ? 

The  third  commandment  forbiddeth  all  pro- 
faning or  abusing  of  any  thing  whereby  God 
maketh  himself  known. 


84:      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

The  Shorter  Catechism. 

56.  What  is  the  reason  annexed  to  the  third 
commandment  ? 

The  reason  annexed  to  the  third  command- 
ment is,  that  however  the  breakers  of  this  com- 
mandment may  escape  punishment  from  men, 
yet  the  Lord  our  God  will  not  suffer  them  to 
escape  his  righteous  judgment. 

57.  Which  is  the  fourth  commandment? 
The  fourth  commandment  is,  Kemember  the 

Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  days  shalt 
thou  labor  and  do  all  thy  work ;  but  the  sev- 
enth day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God ; 
in  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy 
son,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy 
maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger 
that  is  within  thy  gates;  for  in  six  days  the 
Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all 
that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day; 
wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath  day, 
and  hallowed  it. 

58.  What  is  required  in  the  fourth  command- 
ment? 

The  fourth  commandment  requireth  the  keep- 
ing holy  to  God  such  set  times  as  he  hath  ap- 
pointed in  his  Word ;  expressly  one  whole  day 
in  seven,  to  be  a  holy  Sabbath  to  himself 

59.  Which  day  of  the  seven  hath  God  ap- 
pointed to  be  the  w^eoklv  Sabbath  ? 


THE   CHURCH.  85 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


From  tlie  beginning  of  the  world  to  the  res- 
urrection of  Christ,  God  appointed  the  seventh 
day  of  the  week  to  be  the  weekly  Sabbath,  and 
the  first  day  of  the  week  ever  since,  to  continue 
to  the  end  of  the  world,  which  is  the  Christian 
Sabbath. 

60.  How  is  the  Sabbath  to  be  sanctified  ? 
The  Sabbath  is  to  be  sanctified  by  a  holy 

resting  all  that  day,  even  from  such  worldly 
employments  and  recreations  aS  are  lawful  on 
■other  days ;  and  spending  the  whole  time  in  the 
public  and  private  exercises  of  God's  worship, 
except  so  much  as  is  to  be  taken  up  in  the 
works  of  necessity  and  mercy. 

61.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  fourth  com- 
mandment ? 

The  fourth  commandment  forbiddeth  the 
omission  or  careless  performance  of  the  duties 
required,  and  the  profaning  the  day  by  idleness, 
or  doing  that  which  is  in  itself  sinful,  or  by  un- 
necessary thoughts,  words,  or  works  about  our 
worldly  employments  or  recreations. 

62.  What  are  the  reasons  annexed  to  the 
fourth  commandment? 

The  reasons  annexed  to  the  fourth  command- 
ment are  God's  allowing  us  six  days  of  the  week 
for  our  own  employments,  his  challenging  a  spe- 


86      THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

The  Shorter  Catechism. 

cial  propriety  in  the  seventh,  his  own  example, 
and  his  blessing  the  Sabbath  clay. 

63.  Which  is  the  fifth  commandment  ? 
The  fifth  commandment  is.  Honor  thy  father 

and  thy  mother,  that  thy  days  may  be  long  upon 
the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

64.  What  is  required  in  the  fifth  command- 
ment ? 

The  fifth  commandment  requireth  the  pre- 
serving the  honor  of,  and  performing  the  duties 
belonging  to  every  one  in  their  several  places 
and  relations,  as  superiors,  inferiors,  or  equals. 

66.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  fifth  command- 
ment? 

The  fifth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  neg- 
lecting of,  or  doing  any  thing  against  the  honor 
and  duty  which  belongeth  to  every  one  in  their 
several  places  and  relations. 

66.  What  is  the  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth 
commandment  ? 

The  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth  command- 
ment is  a  promise  of  long  life  and  prosperity  (as 
far  as  it  shall  serve  for  Grod's  glory  and  their  own 
good)  to  all  such  as  keep  this  commandment. 

67.  Which  is  the  sixth  commandment  ? 
The  sixth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 

kill. 


THE   CHURCH.  87 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


68.  What  is  required  in  the  sixth  command- 
ment? 

The  sixth  commandment  requireth  all  lawful 
endeavors  to  preserve  our  own  life  and  the  life 
of  others. 

69.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  sixth  command- 
ment? 

The  sixth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  tak- 
ing away  of  our  own  life,  or  the  life  of  our  neigh- 
bor unjustly,  or  whatsoever  tendeth  thereunto. 

70.  Which  is  the  seventh  commandment  ? 
The  seventh  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt 

not  commit  adultery. 

71.  What  is  required  in  the  seventh  com- 
mandment ? 

The  seventh  commandment  requireth  the 
preservation  of  our  own  and  our  neighbor's 
chastity,  in  heart,  speech,  and  behavior. 

72.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  seventh  com- 
mandment ? 

The  seventh  commandment  forbiddeth  all 
unchaste  thoughts,  words,  and  actions. 

73.  Which  is  the  eighth  commandment  ? 
The  eighth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 

steal. 

74.  What  is  required  in  the  eighth  command- 
ment? 


88         THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
The  Shorter  Catecliism. 

The  eighth  commandment  requireth  the  law- 
ful procuring  and  furthering  the  wealth  and  out- 
ward estate  of  ourselves  and  others. 

75.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  eighth  com- 
mandment ? 

The  eighth  commandment  forbiddeth  what- 
soever doth  or  may  unjustly  hinder  our  own 
or  our  neighbor's  wealth  or  outward  estate. 

76.  Which  is  the  ninth  commandment  ? 
The  ninth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 

bear  false  witness  against  thy  neighbor. 

77.  What  is  required  in  the  ninth  command- 
ment? 

The  ninth  commandment  requireth  the  main- 
taining and  promoting  of  truth  between  man 
and  man,  and  of  our  own  and  our  neighbor's 
good  name,  especially  in  witness-bearing. 

78.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  ninth  com- 
mandment ? 

The  ninth  commandment  forbiddeth  whatso- 
ever is  prejudicial  to  truth,  or  injurious  to  our 
own  or  our  neighbor's  good  name. 

79.  Which  is  the  tenth  commandment? 
The  tenth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 

covet  thy  neighbor's  house,  thou  shalt  not  cov- 
et thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  man-servant,  nor 
his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor 
any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbor's. 


THE  CHURCH.  89 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


80.  What  is  required  in  the  tenth  command- 
ment? 

The  tenth  commandment  requireth  full  con- 
tentment with  our  own  condition,  with  a  right 
and  charitable  frame  of  spirit  toward  our  neigh- 
bor, and  all  that  is  his. 

81.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  tenth  command- 
ment? 

The  tenth  commandment  forbiddeth  all  dis- 
contentment with  our  own  estate,  envying  or 
grieving  at  the  good  of  our  neighbor,  and  all 
inordinate  motions  and  affections  to  any  thing 
that  is  his. 

f82.  Is  any  man  able  perfectly  to  keep  the 
commandments  of  God  ? 

No  mere  man,  since  the  fall,  is  able  in  this 
life  perfectly  to  keep  the  commandments  of 
God,  but  doth  daily  break  them  in  thought, 
word,  and  deed. 

83.  Are  all  transgressions  of  the  law  equally 
heinous  ? 

Some  sins  in  themselves,  and  by  reason  of 
several  aggravations,  are  more  heinous  in  the 
sight  of  God  than  others. 

84.  What  doth  every  sin  deserve  ? 

Every  sin  deserveth  God's  wrath  and  curse, 
both  in  this  life  and  that  which  is  to  come. 


90         THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
The  Shorter  Catechiam. 

85.  What  doth  God  require  of  us  that  we 
may  escape  his  wrath  and  curse,  due  to  us  for 
sin? 

To  escape  the  wrath  and  curse  of  God  due 
to  us  for  sin,  God  requireth  of  us  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ,  repentance  unto  life,  with  the  diligent  use 
of  all  the  outward  means  whereby  Christ  com- 
municateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  redemption. 
I  86.  "What  is  faith  in  Jesus  Christ? 

JFaith  in  Jesus  Christ  is  a  saving  grace,  where- 
by we  receive  and  rest  upon  him  alone  for  sal- 
vation, as  he  is  offered  to  us  in  the  Gospel. 

87.  What  is  repentance  unto  life  ? 

Eepentance  unto  life  s  a  saving  grace,  where- 
by a  sinner,  out  of  a  true  sense  of  his  sin,  and 
apprehension  of  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ, 
doth,  with  grief  and  hatred  of  his  sin,  turn  from 
it  unto  God,  with  full  purpose  of,  and  endeavor 
after,  new  obedience. 

('"^88.  What  are  the  outward  and  ordinary 
means  whereby  Christ  communicateth  to  us  the 
benefits  of  redemption  ? 

The  outward  and  ordinary  means  whereby 
Christ  communicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  re- 
demption, are  his  ordinances,  especially  the 
Word,  sacraments,  and  prayer ;  all  which  are 
made  effectual  to  the  elect  for  salvation. 


THE   CHURCH.  91 


The  Shorter  Catechism, 


89.  How  is  the  Word  made  effectual  to  sal- 
vation ? 

The  Spirit  of  God  maketh  the  reading,  but 
especially  the  preaching  of  the  Word,  an  effect- 
ual means  of  convincing  and  converting  sinners, 
and  of  building  them  up  in  holiness  and  com- 
fort through* faith  unto  salvation. 

{^^^  How  is  the  Word  to  be  read  and  heard, 
that  it  may  become  effectual  to  salvation  ? 

That  the  Word  may  become  effectual  to  sal- 
vation, we  must  attend  thereunto  with  diligence, 
preparation,  and  prayer;  receive  it  with  faith 
and  love ;  lay  it  up  in  our  hearts,  and  practice 
it  in  our  lives. 

/9L/'  How  do  the  sacraments  become  effectual 
•means  of  salvation  ? 

The  sacraments  become  effectual  means  of 
salvation,  not  from  any  virtue  in  them,  or  in 
him  that  doth  administer  them,  but  only  by  the 
blessing  of  Christ,  and  the  working  of  his  Spir- 
it jn,  them  that  by  faith  receive  them. 
1 92^  What  is  a  sacrament  ? 

A  sacrament  is  a  holy  ordinance,  instituted 
by  Christ,  wherein,  by  sensible  signs,  Christ  and 
the  benefits  of  the  new  covenant  are  represent- 
ed, sealed,  and  applied  to  believers. 

93,  Which  are  the  sacraments  of  the  New 
Testament  ? 


92         THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
The  Shorter  Catechism. 


The  sacraments  of  the  New  Testament  are 
baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper. 

94.  What  is  baptism  ? 

Baptism  is  a  sacrament  wherein  the  washing 
with  water,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  doth  signify 
and  seal  our  ingrafting  into  Christy  and  partak- 
ing of  the  benefits  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  and 
our  engagement  to  be  the  Lord's. 

95.  To  whom  is  baptism  to  be  administered? 
Baptism  is  not  to  be  administered  to  any  that 

are  out  of  the  visible  Church  till  they  profess 
their  faith  in  Christ,  and  obedience  to  him ;  but 
the  infants  of  such  as  are  members  of  the  visi- 
ble Church  are  to  be  baptized. 
(   96.  What  is  the  Lord's  Supper? 

The  Lord's  Supper  is  a  sacrament  wherein, 
by  giving  and  receiving  bread  and  wine  ac- 
cording to  Christ's  appointment,  his  death  is 
showed  forth,  and  the  worthy  receivers  are,  not 
after  a  corporal  and  carnal  manner,  but  by  faith, 
made  partakers  of  his  body  and  blood,  with  all 
his  benefits,  to  their  spiritual  nourishment  and 
growth  in  grace. 

97.  What  is  required  to  the  worthy  receiv- 
ing of  the  Lord's  Supper  ? 

It  is  required  of  them  that  would  worthily 


THE   CHURCH.  93 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


v^ 


partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  that  they  exam- 
ine themselves  of  their  knowledge  to  discern 
the  Lord's  body,  and  of  their  faith  to  feed  upon 
him,  of  their  repentance,  love,  and  new  obedi- 
ence; lest,  coming  unworthily,  they  eat  and 
drink  judgment  to  themselves. 

98.  What  is  prayer  ? 
Prayer  is  an  offering  up  of  our  desires  unto 

God  for  things  agr^ble  to  his  will,  in  the  name 
of  Christ,  with  confession  of  our  sins,  and  thank- 
ful acknowledgment  of  his  mercies. 

99.  What  rule  hath  God  given  for  our  direc- 
tion in  prayer? 

The  whole  Word  of  God  is  of  use  to  direct 
us  in  prayer ;  but  the  special  rule  of  direction 
is  that  form  of  prayer  which  Christ  taught  his 
disciples,  commonly  called  the  Lord's  Prayer. 

100.  What  doth  the  preface  of  the  Lord's 
Prayer  teach  us  ? 

The  preface  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  (which  is. 
Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven)  teacheth  us  to 
draw  near  to  God,  with  all  holy  reverence  and 
confidence,  as  children  to  a  father,  able  and 
ready  to  help  us ;  and  that  we  should  pray  with 
and  for  others. 

101.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  first  peti- 
tion? 


94         THE   PRESBYTERIAN  S  HAND-BOOK. 

The  Shorter  Catechism. 

In  the  first  petition  (which  is,  Hallowed  be 
thy  name)  we  pray  that  God  would  enable  us 
and  others  to  glorify  him  in  all  that  whereby 
he  maketh  himself  known,  and  that  he  would 
dispose  all  things  to  his  own  glory. 

102.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  second  pe- 
tition ? 

In  the  second  petition  (which  is,  Thy  king- 
dom come)  we  pray  that  Sjjfan's  kingdom  may 
be  destroyed,  and  that  the  kingdom  of  grace 
may  be  advanced,  ourselves  and  others  brought 
into  it,  and  kept  in  it,  and  that  the  kingdom  of 
glory  may  be  hastened. 

103.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  third  peti- 
tion ? 

In  the  third  petition  (which  is,  Thy  will  be 
done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven)  we  pray  that 
God,  by  his  grace,  would  make  us  able  and  will- 
ing to  know,  obey,  and  submit  to  his  will  in  all 
things,  as  the  angels  do  in  heaven. 

104.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fourth  pe- 
tition ? 

In  the  fourth  petition  (which  is.  Give  us  this 
day  our  daily  bread)  we  pray  that  of  God's  free 
gift  we  may  receive  a  competent  portion  of  the 
good  things  of  this  life,  and  enjoy  his  blessing 
w^ith  them. 


THE   CHURCH.  05 


The  Shorter  Catechism. 


105.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fifth  peti- 
tion? 

In  the  fifth  petition  (which  is,  And  forgive 
US  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors)  we  pray 
that  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  would  freely  pardon 
all  our  sins;  which  we  are  the  rather  encour- 
aged to  ask,  because  by  his  grace  we  are  enabled 
from  the  heart  to  forgive  others. 

106.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  sixth  peti- 
tion? 

In  the  sixth  petition  (which  is.  And  lead  us 
not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil) 
we  pray  that  Grod  would  either  keep  us  from 
being  tempted  to  sin,  or  support  and  deliver  us 
when  we  are  tempted. 

107.  What  doth  the  conclusion  of  the  Lord^s 
Prayer  teach  us  ? 

The  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  (which 
is.  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power, 
and  the  glory  forever.  Amen)  teacheth  us  to 
take  our  encouragement  in  prayer  from  God 
only,  and  in  our  prayers  to  praise  him,  ascrib- 
ing kingdom,  power,  and  glory  to  him.  And 
in  testimony  of  our  desire,  and  assurance  to  be 
heard,  we  say  Amen. 


96      THE  pkesbyterian's  hand-book. 


Catechism  of  Biblical  Chronology. 


CATECHISM  OF  BIBLICAL  CHRO- 
NOLOGY. 

It  is  deemed  important  to  implant  very  early 
in  the  minds  of  children  some  knowledge  of 
sacred  chronology;  and  as  dates  are  with  dif- 
ficulty so  fixed  in  the  mind  as  to  render  them 
permanent,  there  are  here  furnished  two  mne- 
monical  tables  to  which  is  appended  a  brief 
chronological  catechism.  To  this  it  is  obvi- 
ous that  the  parent  or  teacher  may  add  more 
extended  instruction  after  the  same  general 
method.  In  the  subjoined  tables,  the  left-hand 
column  indicates  a  few  important  dates  in 
round  numbers,  the  right-hand  column  giving 
the  corresponding  exact  dates.  The  former 
are  sufficiently  near  to  accuracy  to  answer  all 
practical  purposes,  and  should  be  perfectly 
fixed  in  the  memory. 


CHEONOLOGICAL  TABLE— NO.  1. 


Round  numbers. 

B.C. 

4000 

years. 

2350 

2000 

1500 

1000 

500 

0 

ADAM 

FLOOD 

ABRAHAM  (birth) 

MOSES  (receives  the  law) 
SOLOMON'S  TEMPLE  . 

SECOND  TEMPLE 

CHRIST  (birth) 


Exact  dates. 

B.C. 
4004r  years. 
2348* 
1996 
1491 
1004 
515 
0 


THE   CHURCH. 


97 


Catechism  of  Biblical  Chronology. 


TABLE  NO.  2. 

THE  EIGHT  PERIODS  OF  SACRED  HISTORY. 


Round  No3. 

1650  yrs. 

400 


400 
400 
500 
250 
200 
150 


1 .  Antediluvian — Creation  to  Flood. . . 

2.  The  Period  of  the  Dispersion — 

Flood  to  the  call  of  Abraham 

3.  The  Patriarchal — The  call  to  the 

Exode 

4.  The  Period  of  the  Judges — Exode 

to  King  Saul 

5.  The  Monarchical — Saul  to  the  end 

of  the  Monarchy 

6.  The   Persian — Monarchy  to  Alex- 

ander  

7.  The  Grecian — Alexander  to  the  Ro- 

man Conquest 

8.  The  Roman — To  the  birth  of  Christ.. 


Exact  Nog. 

1656  yrs. 

427 

430 

396 

507 

258 

184 

146 


1.  How  long  was  it  from  Adam  to  Christ? 
4000  years. 

2.  How  long  from  Adam  to  Abraham  ? 
2000  years. 

8.  How  long  from  Abraham  to  Christ  ? 
2000  years. 

4.  What  is  half  way  from  Adam  to  Christ  ? 
Abraham. 

5.  How  long  was  it  from  Abraham  to  Solo- 
mon's Temple  ? 

1000  years. 

6.  How  long  from  Abraham  to  Moses  ? 
500  years. 

7.  How  long  from  Moses  to  Solomon's  Tem- 
ple? 

G 


98      THE  pkesbyterian's  hand-book. 

Catechism  of  Biblical  Chronology. 

600  years. 

8.  What  is  half  way  from  Abraham  to  Sol- 
omon's Temple  ? 

Moses. 

9.  How  long  from  Solomon's  Temple  to 
Christ? 

1000  years. 

10.  How  long  from  Solomon's  Temple  to 
the  Second  Temple  ? 

600  years. 

11.  How  long  from  the  Second  Temple  to 
Christ? 

600  years. 

12.  What  is  half  way  from  Solomon's  Tem- 
ple to  Christ  ? 

The  Second  Temple. 

13.  How  many  periods  are  there  in  sacred 
history  ? 

Eight. 

14.  What  is  the  Antediluvian  period,  and 
how  long  is  it  ? 

1660  years. 

16.  What  is  the  period  of  the  dispersion, 
and  how  long  is  it  ? 

400  years. 

16.  What  is  the  Patriarchal  period,  and  how 
long  is  it  ? 


THE   CHURCH.  99 


Catechism  of  Biblical  Chronology. 


400  years. 

17.  What  is  the  period  of  the  Judges,  and 
how  long  is  it  ? 

400  years. 

18.  What  is  the  Monarchical  period,  and 
how  long  is  it? 

500  years. 

19.  What  is  the  Persian  period,  and  how 
long  is  it  ? 

250  years. 

20.  What  is  the  Grrecian  period,  and  how 
long  is  it  ? 

200  years. 

21.  What  is  the  Koman  period,  and  how 
long  is  it  ? 

150  years. 

The  memory  may  be  aided  by  requiring  the 
answers  in  centuries.  Thus  it  will  be  seen 
that  in  the  eight  periods,  the  first  is  sixteen 
centuries  and  a  half;  the  next  three  are  four 
centuries  each ;  the  next  is  five  centuries ;  the 
next  three  begin  with  half  of  the  period  next 
preceding,  and  fall  off  by  half  a  century  as 
they  go  forward.  They  are  respectively  two 
and  a  half,  two,  and  one  and  a  half. 

It  is  obvious  that  parents  and  teachers  may 


100     THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Prayers  for  Children. 


extend  these  instructions,  in  preparing  the 
minds  of  the  young  to  study  the  Bible  with 
profit,  by  fixing  in  the  memory  the  order  of 
the  sacred  books,  with  their  general  import, 
and  the  names  of  their  respective  authors. 

PEAYEES  FOE  CHILDEEK 

MORNING  PRAYER. 

0  Lord,  thou  art  great  and  good.  Thou  hast 
made  me  and  kept  me  alive,  and-  from  thee 
comes  every  good  gift.  I  thank  thee  for  tak- 
ing care  of  me,  and  giving  me  sleep,  and  wak- 
ing me  to  see  this  new  day.  I  am  a  sinful 
child.  Forgive  me,  O  my  heavenly  Father,  and 
give  me  a  new  heart.  Make  me  afraid  to  do 
wrong  and  sin  against  thee.  Help  me  to  love 
and  serve  thee  to-day.  Grant  thy  blessing  upon 
my  dear  parents,  my  brothers  and  sisters,  and 
all  my  relatives  and  friends,  that  we  may  at 
last  meet  in  heaven,  for  Jesus'  sake.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  etc. 

EVENING  PRAYER. 

O  God,  my  heavenly  Father,  I  thank  thee  for 
thy  kind  care  of  me  to-day.  I  beg  of  thee  to 
forgive  all  my  sins.  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart, 
and  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  me.     Bless 


THE   CHURCH.  101 


Morning  prayer  for  the  family. 


my  dear  father  and  mother,  my  brothers  and 
sisters,  and  relatives,  and  all  that  are  in  this 
house.  Give  us  quiet  sleep,  and  bring  us  to 
another  day  in  safety ;  and  save  us  at  last,  for 
the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 
Our  Father,  etc. 

MOEOTISTG  PEAYEE  FOE  THE  FAMILY. 

O  Lord  God,  most  merciful  and  gracious,  thy 
name  is  excellent  in  all  the  earth;  thou  hast 
set  thy  glory  above  the  heavens.  Thou  art 
worthy  to  be  praised  by  all  saints  and  angels, 
for  thou  hast  made  all  things,  and  for  thy  pleas- 
ure they  are  and  were  created.  Thou  hast  wise- 
ly and  sweetly  united  thy  glory  with  our  duty 
and  happiness.  Thou  hast  formed  "us  to  show 
forth  thy  praise,  and,  in  doing  so,  to  enjoy  thy 
favor. 

Yet  we  must  humbly  acknowledge  and  con- 
fess that  we  have  not  rendered  to  thee  that  wor- 
ship which  is  thy  due.  While  thou  hast  been 
mindful  of  our  wants,  we  have  been  forgetful 
of  thee.  Thy  mercies  have  too  often  been  re- 
quited with  ingratitude  and  rebellion.  Thy  pre- 
serving care  which  we  have  every  day  experi- 
enced, the  multiplied  gifts  of  thy  bounty,  and 
the  tender  compassion  of  our  blessed  Saviour, 


102     THE  Presbyterian's  nAXD-BOOK. 


Morning  prayer  for  the  family. 


have  failed  to  awaken  within  our  bosoms  those 
sentiments  of  continued  thankfuhiess  and  love 
which  ought  to  characterize  the  disciples  of  the 
Lord  Jesus.  We  are  miserable  sinners.  We 
deplore  deeply  our  numerous  offenses,  our  hard- 
ness of  heart,  our  insensibility  to  things  spirit- 
ual and  heavenly.  We  desire  to  pour  out  our 
souls  before  thee  in  humble  supplication.  Be 
pleased  to  give  us  true  repentance  for  all  our 
offenses,  to  humble  us  deeply  under  a  sense  of 
our  sin,  and  for  thy  dear  Son's  sake  to  absolve 
lis  from  its  guilt. 

Strengthen  us,  0  Lord,  with  might  by  thy 
Spirit  in  the  inner  man,  to  make  us  more  watch- 
ful against  the  workings  of  inbred  corruption. 
Help  us  to  gain  the  victory  over  the  tempta- 
tions of  our  adversary  and  the  allurements  of 
this  sinful  world.  Through  thy  grace  assisting 
us,  may  we  subdue  every  vicious  inclination  and 
correct  every  evil  habit.  May  the  perfect  ex- 
ample of  our  Kedeemer  be  always  before  us. 
May  we  possess  his  meekness  and  gentleness  in 
our  social  intercourse.  May  we  exercise  that 
sympathy  with  the  poor  and  the  afflicted  which 
shone  forth  so  conspicuously  in  his  life.  Like 
him  may  we  go  about  doing  good,  and  be  con- 
tinually under  the  control  of  such  principles 


THE   CHUECH.  103 


Morning  prayer  for  the  family. 


and  motives  as  shall  render  our  ordinary  em- 
ployments an  acceptable  service  to  tliee.  In- 
crease our  knowledge  and  faith,  our  fear  and 
humility,  our  spirit  of  cheerful,  loving  obedi- 
ence. Let  every  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  dwell 
in  us  richly,  that  our  lives  may  be  "  more  com- 
fortable to  ourselves,  more  profitable  to  others, 
and  more  to  the  glory  of  thy  name." 

Grant  that  every  member  of  this  household 
may  be  a  participant  of  thy  heavenly  grace ; 
may  be  found  always  walking  in  the  path  of 
duty,  fearing  God  and  working  righteousness. 
Let  the  calling  and  election  of  each  one  thus  be 
rendered  sure,  so  that  when  all  earthly  things 
shall  fail,  thou  mayest  be  the  strength  of  our 
heart  and  our  portion  forever.  Impart  to  our 
beloved  friends  and  relatives  thy  richest  mer- 
cies, and  especially  those  gifts  and  graces  which 
are  indispensable  to  their  spiritual  well-being. 
Let  the  poor,  the  sick,  the  bereaved,  and  all  af- 
flicted persons  share  in  thy  fatherly  care,  and 
be  comforted  by  thy  Holy  Spirit. 

We  bless  thee  for  the  preservation  of  the  last 
night,  and  for  the  rest  and  refreshment  which 
thou  hast  given  us.  Eenew  thy  mercies,  we  be- 
seech thee,  with  this  new  day.  Lift  up  the  light 
of  thy  countenance  upon  us,  and  gladden  our 


104    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Evening  prayer  for  the  family. 


hearts  with  the  tokens  of  thy  love.  Be  with 
us  to  bless  and  prosper  ns  in  our  affairs,  and 
help  us  to  do  something  for  the  advancement 
of  true  religion  in  the  world.  Let  every  day 
be  marked  by  indications  of  the  progress  of 
Christ's  kingdom,  till  it  shall  grow  and  fill  the 
earth.  Help  us  to  walk  with  thee,  by  the  con- 
tinual exercise  of  a  prayerful  spirit  and  by  holy 
meditation,  that,  delighting  ourselves  in  the 
Lord,  thou  mayest  give  us  the  desires  of  our 
heart.  Oh!  sanctify  our  souls  by  thy  Holy  Spir- 
it, and  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  blessed 
Kedeemer,  hear  and  answer  us. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  etc. 

EYENma  PKAYER  FOR  THE  FAMILY. 

Infinite  and  eternal  Creator,  King  of  heaven 
and  earth,  thou  art  our  Maker.  Thou  uphold- 
est  all  things  by  thy  power.  Thou  carriest  for- 
ward thy  great  purposes  with  resistless  might, 
and  by  means  and  processes  that  are  inscruta- 
ble. Thou  makest  darkness  thy  secret  place ; 
thy  pavilion  round  about  thee  is  dark  waters 
and  thick  clouds  of  the  skies.  Yet  we  are  per- 
mitted to  see  some  glimpses  of  thy  holy  perfec- 
tions in  the  things  which  thou  hast  made.  The 
heavens  declare  thy  glory,  and  the  firmament 


THE   CHURCH.  105 


Evening  prayer  for  the  family. 


showeth  thy  handiwork.  Day  unto,  day  utter- 
eth  speech,  and  night  unto  night  showeth  knowl- 
edge. But  thou  hast  revealed  thyself  to  us  more 
clearly  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ,  whose  bless- 
ed teachings  are  enforced  by  his  perfect  exam- 
ple. His  sufferings  and  death,  his  resurrection 
and  priestly  intercession,  awaken  within  us  sen- 
timents of  wonder,  of  gratitude,  and  faith,  and 
fill  our  souls  with  the  hope  of  a  blissful  immor- 
tality. 

We  praise  thee  for  these  manifestations  of 
thy  glory.  We  thank  thee  for  thy  holy  law 
and  thy  precious  Gospel.  We  call  upon  our 
souls  and  all  that  is  within  us  to  bless  thee  for 
the  ample  supplies  of  thy  bounty  and  the  rich 
provisions  of  thy  grace. 

Yet  we  deplore  before  thee,  0  Lord,  our  many 
sins,  and  those  deep  inward  pollutions  that 
render  us  so  unfit  for  thy  worship.  We  are 
ashamed  and  confounded  when  we  think  of  the 
number  and  the  aggravations  of  our  offenses. 
Pardon  our  sins  through  Jesus  Christ;  sanc- 
tify our  natures  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  cause 
our  souls  to  fall  down  with  the  greatest  humil- 
ity at  the  footstool  of  thy  throne,  continually 
entreating  thy  mercy,  and  constantly  ascribing 
to  thee  glory.    Our  praises  add  nothing  to  thee; 


106    THE  pkesbyterian's  hand-book. 

Evening  prayer  for  the  family. 

but  they  exalt  us,  enhance  our  happiness,  and 
unite  us  with  the  society  of  angels.  Yet  thou 
receivest  our  praises  as  an  acceptable  sacrifice. 
Grant  that  we  may  celebrate  thee,  O  Lord,  who 
art  great,  and  greatly  to  be  praised.  Let  all 
nations  praise  thee,  from  the  rising  of  the  sun 
to  the  going  down  of  the  same.  Set  our  hearts 
on  fire  with  the  flames  of  thy  divine  love,  that 
they  may  wholly  ascend  to  thee  as  burnt-ofier- 
ings,  and  nothing  of  ours  may  remain  with  us. 
Let  our  love  of  the  world  be  exchanged  for  the 
love  of  thy  infinite  beauty.  Let  our  will  centre 
in  thine,  and  be  altogether  absorbed  by  it.  Let 
this  change,  0  gracious  Father,  be  speedily  ef- 
fected within  us,  for  it  can  be  wrought  by  noth- 
ing less  than  the  power  of  thy  hand ;  and  as 
soon  as  our  souls  are  made  sensible  of  it,  thy 
praise  shall  be  evermore  sounded  within  us,  as 
in  temples  devoted  to  thy  service. 

Let  covenant  mercies  descend  perpetually  on 
this  household,  and  every  member  of  it  be  thine. 
Guard  and  protect  us  in  our  defenseless  slum- 
bers, and  cause  us  to  awake  to  a  new  day,  re- 
freshed and  prepared  for  serving  thee  in  new- 
ness of  life;  and  let  the  same  fatherly  care  be 
bestowed  upon  our  absent  relatives  and  friends. 

Bless  all  the  sick  with  healing  mercies,  or  the 


THE   CHUKCH.  107 


A  family  prayer  for  Sunday  morning. 


comfortable  supports  of  thy  grace.  Supply  the 
wants  of  the  poor  and  needy ;  and  prepare  us 
and  all  thy  holy  Church  for  thy  kingdom  of 
glory.  Grant  thy  blessing  upon  thy  ministers 
and  the  missionaries  of  the  cross,  and  fill  the 
earth  with  thy  salvation,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

A  PKAYER  FOR  SUNDAY  MOENIKC. 

Jenhs. — {Adapted.") 

O  most  blessed  and  gracious  Lord  our  God, 
whose  almighty  hand  has  brought  us  out  of 
nothing  to  what  we  are,  to  see  the  light  and 
enjoy  the  comforts  of  life,  and  whose  free  grace 
has  called  us  out  of  a  state  of  sin  and  ruin  to 
the  hope  of  thy  heavenly  glory,  we  bless  thy 
name  that  thou  hast  conducted  us  safe  through 
all  states  and  events,  and  through  all  the  trials 
and  troubles  in  our  lives,  to  see  the  comfortable 
light  of  this  day ;  and  that  we  have  yet  a  day 
of  grace  wherein  to  attend  to  the  things  belong- 
ing to  our  peace.  We  bless  thee  that  thou  hast 
consulted  the  good  of  our  souls,  as  well  as  the 
glory  of  thy  name,  in  setting  apart  this  day  for 
holy  uses,  to  engage  us  to  a  solemn  attendance 
upon  the  Lord,  in  whose  service  consists  all  our 
honor  and  happiness.     Oh !  how  much  higher 


108    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

A  family  prayer  for  Sunday  morning. 

might  we  have  been  in  grace  and  thy  blessed 
favor — how  much  nearer  to  thee  our  God,  and 
fitter  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom,  had  we  right- 
ly used  and  conscientiously  improved  those  sea- 
sons and  means  of  grace  which  thou  hast  been 
pleased  to  put  into  our  hands  for  the  best  ad- 
vantage of  our  souls. 

But  we  have  been  unkind  and  cruel  to  our 
own  souls,  as  well  as  disobedient  and  rebellious 
against  our  Lord ;  many  times  frustrating  the 
opportunities  of  appearing  before  thee ;  shun- 
ning and  neglecting  the  duties  of  thy  holy  serv- 
ice ;  and  even  when  we  have  set  ourselves  to 
seek  thy  face,  it  has  been  with  such  coldness, 
and  dullness,  and  distraction,  that  thou  might- 
est  justly  abhor  our  souls,  despise  our  prayers, 
for  any  thing  that  there  is  in  us  or  them  to  rec- 
ommend us  to  thy  blessed  favor  and  acceptance. 

But  be  thou  pleased  to  look  upon  us  in  the 
Son  of  thy  love,  the  Lord  our  peace  and  right- 
eousness, and  forgive  us  all  that  is  past  where- 
in we  have  neglected  thy  work,  or  ill-perform- 
ed it,  or  done  what  is  inconsistent  with  it.  Help 
us,  O  God  of  our  salvation,  and  deliver  us  from 
the  burden  of  our  guilt ;  and  purge  away  all 
our  sins  for  the  glory  of  thy  name,  that  they 
may  not  stand  as  a  partition-wall  to  hinder  the 


THE   CHUECH.  109 


A  family  prayer  for  Sunday  morning. 


desire  of  our  souls  from  ascending  up  to  thee, 
nor  hinder  the  light  of  thy  countenance  from 
descending  upon  us.  But  let  thy  peace,  and 
love,  and  favor  shine  on  our  souls,  that  we  may 
see  the  felicity  of  thy  chosen,  and  with  joy  draw 
water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation. 

Oh !  let  us  not  rest  in  any  forms  of  godliness, 
denying  the  power  thereof,  nor  take  up  with 
the  name,  and  show,  and  the  profession  of  Chris- 
tianity, but  be  swayed  with  its  life,  and  power, 
and  spirit,  that  the  Gospel  of  our  Lord,  and  the 
graces  of  the  good  Spirit  of  God,  may  shine  forth 
in  our  lives,  to  the  glory  of  thee  our  heavenly 
Father,  and  to  the  adorning  of  the  doctrine  of 
God  our  Saviour  in  all  things.  O  gracious  God, 
be  with  us,  and  with  all  the  ministers  and  stew- 
ards of  thy  holy  things,  who  are  this  day  to 
speak  thy  Word  to  thy  people,  and  furnish  them 
with  abilities  suitable  to  their  great  work,  that 
they  may  fitly  apply  themselves  to  the  capaci- 
ties and  to  the  necessities  of  their  several  hear- 
ers. And  grant.  Lord,  unto  us,  and  unto  all  the 
hearers  of  thy  holy  Word,  humble  and  teach- 
able spirits,  to  receive  thy  truth  in  meekness, 
and  in  the  lovie  of  it,  so  as  to  profit  and  grow  by 
it.  Oh !  do  thou  remove  all  the  hinderances  to 
our  spiritual  growth  and  improvement,  that  thy 


110      THE   PKESBYTERIAN  S   HAND-BOOK. 
A  family  prayer  for  Sunday  morning. 

Word  may  have  free  course,  and  be  glorified 
among  us.  And  let  us  tliis  day  go  forth  in  the 
strength  of  the  Lord  God ;  and  prosper  and  in- 
crease with  the  increase  of  God,  by  thy  grace 
and  blessing  accompanying  our  desires  and  en- 
deavors, till  from  serving  thee  imperfectly  here 
upon  earth,  we  may  attain  to  glorify  and  enjoy 
thee,  our  God,  in  the  perfection  of  holiness,  and 
in  those  everlasting  joys  and  glories  of  thy  king- 
dom which  thou  hast  prepared  for  them  that 
love  thee. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  thy  blessing  may 
rest  upon  our  beloved  country.  Give  grace  to 
our  President  and  his  advisers,  that  the  best  in- 
terests of  this  nation  may  be  secure,  and  that 
thy  holy  Church,  in  all  its  branches,  may  be 
abundantly  prospered.  Let  the  chief  magis- 
trate of  this  commonwealth,  and  all  our  judges 
and  ofl&cers  of  justice,  be  guided  by  gracious  in- 
fluences from  on  high.  Overrule  all  the  com- 
motions and  changes  that  are  going  on  among 
the  nations,  for  the  furtherance  of  thy  Gospel, 
and  hasten  the  time  when  Christ  shall  have 
subjugated  all  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  to 
himself  Hear  us  in  these  our  requests,  though 
we  are  most  unworthy,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  merciful  Eedeemer,  who  has  taught 
us  to  say,  "Our  Father,"  etc. 


THE   CHUKCH.  Ill 


A  family  prayer  for  Sunday  evening 


A  PEAYER  FOR  SUNDAY  EYENING. 

Eickersteth. 

Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord  God  Almighty,  which 
was,  and  is,  and  art  to  come !  Thou  art  of  purer 
eyes  than  to  behold  iniquity;  thou  chargest 
thine  angels  with  folly,  and  in  thy  sight  the 
heavens  are  not  clean ;  we  approach  thee,  then, 
only  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ. 

We  confess,  O  Lord,  how  defective  and  de- 
filed all  our  services  are.  We  acknowledge 
that  our  prayers  are  full  of  distractions.  Our 
very  petitions  need  thy  pardon,  our  cold  inter- 
cessions for  others  increase  our  own  guilt,  and 
our  unworthy  thanksgivings  fall  utterly  short 
of  thy  great  goodness  to  us.  We  carelessly  and 
unbelievingly  hear  thy  Word.  All  we  do  is 
polluted  and  sinful.  Oh  forgive  us.  Forgive 
the  sins  of  solemn  duties ;  and  let  that  great 
High-Priest,  who  is  passed  into  the  heavens, 
bearing  the  iniquities  of  our  holy  things,  plead 
for  us  in  thy  sight. 

And  grant,  most  merciful  Lord,  that  it  may 
not  be  in  vain  that  we  enjoy  such  distinguished 
privileges  as  thou  hast  given  to  us,  lest  it  be 
more  tolerable  for  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  in  the 
day  of  judgment  than  for  us.    Let  not  the  seed 


112    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

A  family  prayer  for  Sunday  evening. 


of  the  Word  of  God,  which  has  this  day  been 
sown  in  our  hearts,  be  plucked  away  by  Satan, 
lost  through  temptation,  or  choked  with  the 
cares  of  this  life ;  but,  having  heard  it  and  re- 
ceived it,  incline  us  to  keep  it,  and  do  thou 
cause  it  to  bring  forth  fruit  an  hundred  fold. 

Grant  that  our  lives  may  exhibit  whose  we 
are  and  whom  we  serve,  remembering  that  if 
we  know  our  Lord's  will,  and  do  it  not,  we  shall 
justly  have  the  severer  punishment.  We  hum- 
bly beseech  thee,  strengthen  our  resolutions  to 
live  more  decidedly  to  thee.  We  feel  that  we 
now  have  again  to  enter  into  the  contest  with 
our  spiritual  enemies ;  make  us  more  than  con- 
querors through  Him  that  loved  us.  We  have 
again  to  exert  ourselves  to  run  the  race  set  be- 
fore us ;  teach  us  ever  to  look  unto  Jesus  as  the 
author  and  finisher  of  our  faith.  Oh !  let  us  take 
the  more  earnest  heed  never  to  let  slip  the  things 
which  we  have  heard. 

And  we  pray  for  all  those  who  have  this  day 
assembled  before  thee,  and  heard  the  word  of 
salvation.  Grant  unto  them  the  same  mercies 
which  we  ask  for  ourselves.  Let  thy  ministers, 
that  water  others,  be  themselves  abundantly  wa- 
tered in  their  own  soul.  Strengthen  them  for 
thy  work,  both  in  body  and  soul. 


THE  CHURCH.  113 


A  family  prayer  for  Sunday  evening. 


Kemember  in  mercy  those  who  by  thy  prov- 
idence have  been  kept  from  thy  house,  and  let 
them  receive  a  special  supply  of  thy  grace. 
Grant  that  those  who  have  willfully  or  igno- 
rantly  deprived  themselves  of  public  worship 
may  have  their  eyes  opened  to  see,  and  their 
hearts  awakened  to  feel  their  guilt  and  their 
danger,  and  learn  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come.  Oh!  hasten  the  time  when  thy  house  shall 
be  a  house  of  prayer  for  all  nations,  and  the 
whole  world  shall  worship  in  thy  courts. 

Thanks  be  unto  God  for  all  the  privileges  of 
the  past  Sabbath.  Blessed  be  thy  name  that 
we  were  permitted  to  hear  thy  Word,  to  join 
thy  people  in  prayer  and  praise,  and  to  enjoy 
so  plentifully  the  means  of  grace.  Blessed  be 
our  God  for  any  thing  of  communion  with  him, 
or  desire  after  him.  Blessed  be  God  if  the  grace 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  or  his  holy  Word,  be 
more  understood  or  valued  "by  us.  Our  cup 
runneth  over  with  mercies. 

0  Lord,  if,  amid  our  infirmities,  thy  Sabbaths 
here  below  rejoice  the  heart;  if  to  rest  from 
earthly  labors,  and  enjoy  the  privileges  of  thy 
house  in  this  world  be  delightful,  how  should 
we  thank  thee  for  the  prospect  of  an  eternal 
Sabbath,  where  thy  servants  shall  serve  thee 

H 


114      THE   PKESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
Blessing  at  the  table. 

without  one  wandering  thought,  without  weari- 
ness, and  without  distraction.  Oh  grant,  in  mer- 
cy grant,  that  none  of  those  who  have  this  day 
met  together  in  thy  house  may  be  wanting  in 
the  number  of  those  who  shall  dwell  in  that 
house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heav- 
ens, for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.  Amen. 
Our  Father,  etc. 

BLESSING  AT  THE  TABLE. 

(Selected.) 
I. 

Almighty  God !  the  eyes  of  all  wait  upon 
thee,  and  thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due 
season.  Bless,  we  beseech  thee,  the  provisions 
of  thine  earthly  bounty  which  are  now  before 
us ;  and  let  them  nourish  and  strengthen  our 
frail  bodies,  that  we  may  the  better  serve  thee, 
through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

{Selected.) 

n. 

We  bless  thee,  0  Lord,  for  this  kind  refresh- 
ment. Be  pleased  to  continue  thy  favors,  and 
feed  us  with  the  Bread  of  Life.  Supply  the  wants 
of  the  needy,  and  enable  us,  while  we  live  on 
thy  bounty,  to  live  to  thy  glory,  for  Christ's 
sake.     Amen. 


PART   II. 
THE   MINISTRY. 

CHAPTEE  L 

DUTIES  AND  RESPONSIBILITIES   OF  DEACONS. 

"  The  Scriptures  clearly  point  out  deacons 
as  distinct  officers  in  the  Church,  whose  busi- 
ness it  is  to  take  care  of  the  poor,  and  to  dis- 
tribute among  them  the  collections  which  may 
be  raised  for  their  use."^ 

The  deacons  must  be  male  members  in  full 
communion  with  the  Church,  and  should  be 
chosen  and  ordained  to  their  office  in  a  similar 
manner  to  that  observed  in  the  case  of  elders. 

It  is  their  duty  to  keep  themselves  accurate- 
ly informed  of  the  circumstances  of  the  more 
needy  portion  of  the  Church,  so  that  modest 
and  diffident  members  may  not  be  left  to  suffer 
under  misfortune,  when  kind  and  timely  relief 
from  their  more  prosperous  fellow  -  disciples 
ought  to  be  administered. 

*  See  Form  of  Government,  Book  I.,  Chap.  vi. 


116      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
Duties  of  deacons. 

The  duties  of  deacons  are  delicate  and  diffi- 
cult. A  peculiar  tact  is  requisite  to  learn  tlie 
necessities  of  the  suffering,  and  to  minister  as- 
sistance in  such  a  way  that  the  self-respect  of 
recipients  shall  not  be  injured,  and  also  to  with- 
hold aid  where  its  bestowment  will  take  away 
the  stimulus  to  honorable  and  virtuous  indus- 
try. A  spirit  of  prayer  and  of  generous  sym- 
pathy belongs  to  the  office,  and  he  that  thus 
uses  it  well  secures  for  himself  spiritual  ad- 
vancement and  energy — "purchases  a  good  de- 
gree and  great  boldness  in  the  faith." 


THE  MINISTRY.  117 

Elders.  Number.  How  chosen. 


CHAPTER  II. 

DUTIES  AND  RESPONSIBILITIES  OF  RULING 
ELDERS. 

"Ruling  elders  are  properly  the  representa- 
tives of  the  people,  chosen  by  them  for  the  pur- 
pose of  exercising  government  and  discipline  in 
conjunction  with  pastors  or  ministers."* 

The  office  of  elder  is  "  perpetual,  and  can  not 
be  laid  aside  at  pleasure."  It  can  be  held  only 
by  "  male  members  in  full  communion  in  the 
Church." 

Every  Church  has  power  to  determine  the 
number  of  its  elders.  The  manner  of  choosing 
them  in  a  Church  already  existing  is  to  be  that 
"most  approved  and  in  use"  in  that  particular 
congregation.  Ko  definite  rule  is  prescribed, 
however,  for  the  guidance  of  new  churches ; 
and  it  is  a  matter  of  importance,  where  this 
question  is  to  be  for  the  first  time  determined, 
to  aim  at  securing  a  plan  which  it  shall  not  be 
desirable  to  alter. 

In  the  chapter  on  the  planting  of  churches 
*  See  Form  of  Government,  Book  I.,  Chap.  v. 


118      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 

Elders.  Election.  The  Session. 

two  methods  arc  suggested,  both  of  which  have 
the  sanction  of  usage.'^  That  which  provides 
for  a  nomination  of  elders  by  a  committee,  con- 
sisting of  an  equal  number  from  the  Session 
and  the  Church,  and  for  their  subsequent  elec- 
tion by  ballot,  is  perhaps  to  be  preferred.  This 
mode  gives  the  Session  a  large  influence  in  se- 
curing such  accessions  as  are  agreeable  to  them- 
selves, while  the  preferences  of  the  Church  are 
properly  consulted.  We  may  add  that  this  plan 
has  been  adopted  by  some  congregations,  and  is 
approved  by  such  as  have  been  conferred  with 
on  the  subject. 

In  respect  to  the  ordination  of  ruling  elders, 
the  provisions  of  our  form  of  government  are 
so  ample  and  explicit  that  nothing  needs  to  be 
added  to  the  brief  suggestions  which  we  have 
given  in  another  place. 

The  pastor  and  elders  in  a  particular  congre- 
gation constitute  the  Church  Session.  Of  this 
important  body  the  pastor  is  the  moderator.  It 
is  charged  "with  maintaining  the  spiritual  gov- 
ernment of  the  congregation ;  for  which  purpose 
they  have  power  to  inquire  into  the  knowledge 
and  Christian  conduct  of  the  members  of  the 
Church ;  to  call  before  them  offenders  and  wit- 

*  See  p.  34. 


THE   MINISTKY.  119 


The  Session.  Qualifications  of  elders. 

nesses,  being  members  of  their  own  congrega- 
tion, and  to  introduce  other  witnesses  where  it 
may  be  necessary  to  bring  the  process  to  issue, 
and  when  they  can  be  procured  to  attend ;  to 
receive  members  into  the  Church ;  to  admon- 
ish, to  rebuke,  to  suspend,  or  exclude  from  the 
sacraments  those  who  are  found  to  deserve  cen- 
sure ;  to  concert  the  best  measures  for  promot- 
ing the  spiritual  interests  of  the  congregation ; 
and  to  appoint  delegates  to  the  higher  judica- 
tories of  the  Church." 

Eeferring,  for  the  general  principles  which 
are  to  control  their  action,  to  the  Constitution 
itself,  we  need  only  say  that  the  right  perform- 
ance of  these  responsible  duties  requires  study, 
vigilance,  and  prayer.  Dignity  and  gentleness 
ought  to  be  united  in  those  who  hold  the  office 
of  elder.  Euhng  well,  they  secure  to  themselves 
double  honor;  and  by  their  fidelity  to  Christ 
and  his  Church,  they  may  do  much  to  promote 
all  the  vital  interests  of  religion.  They  ought, 
therefore,  to  make  themselves  familiar  with  the 
polity  of  the  Church ;  but  chiefly  and  constant- 
ly must  they  resort,  for  illumination  and  direc- 
tion, to  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and  to  the  prom- 
ised assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

It  devolves  on  them  to  be  the  counselors  of 


120    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Duties  of  elders.  Visitation. 

the  pastor,  to  constitute  his  defense  and  support, 
to  extend  toward  him  a  tender  sympathy,  and 
to  bestow  their  encouragement  and  aid  upon 
him  in  the  trials  and  duties  of  his  position. 

They  are  the  representatives  of  the  Church 
in  the  Presbytery  and  Synod,  and  are  called  to 
act  as  commissioners  from  the  Presbytery  to  the 
General  Assembly.  "When  duly  appointed  to 
attend  the  sessions  of  these  bodies,  they  ought 
fully  to  recognize  the  importance  of  the  duty 
laid  upon  them,  and  endeavor  faithfully  to  per- 
form it. 

A  constant  intercourse  with  the  flock  is  in- 
dispensable to  an  efficient  influence  on  the  part 
of  the  eldership,  and  to  a  proper  discharge  of 
their  obligations. 

They  ought  especially  to  visit  the  members 
of  the  Church,  and  to  become  acquainted  with 
them  individually,  so  that  they  may  promote 
their  growth  in  piety  by  Christian  conference 
and  prayer,  as  well  as  compose  any  differences 
that  may  arise  among  brethren,  or  heal  any 
spiritual  maladies  that  would  be  aggravated 
by  neglect. 

In  order  to  secure  this  full  superintendence, 
it  has  been  recommended  that  a  division  of  the 
names  of  the  members  be  made  into  as  many 


THE  MINISTEY.  121 


Visitation. 


Uinta  on  business. 


classes  as  there  are  elders,  and  after  each  class 
has  been  for  a  specified  time  under  the  care  of 
the  person  to  whom  it  was  assigned,  an  exchange 
should  be  made  of  these  spheres  of  oversight, 
till  each  one  has  in  turn  become  acquainted  with 
every  class,  and  thus,  in  some  degree,  secured  a 
personal  knowledge  of  each  individual  commu- 
nicant. 

^  The  elders  ought  also  to  be  prepared  to  as- 
sist the  pastor  in  catechising  the  children  and 
youth ;  to  aid  in  the  Sunday-schools  and  Bible- 
classes,  and  to  conduct  to  edification  the  meet- 
ings for  prayer. 

We  append  to  this  view  of  duty  some 

HINTS  ON  THE  FACILITATION  OF  BUSINESS. 

Every  Church  Session  is  obliged  to  present 
its  minutes,  at  stated  times,  for  review  to  the 
Presbytery  with  which  it  is  connected.    These 
minutes  should  be  written  in  a  clear,  legible 
hand,  with  spaces  between  the  records  of  dif- 
ferent meetings,  and  with  marginal  titles,  to  fa- 
cilitiite  reference  to  every  important  transaction. 
It  is  of  much  greater  consequence  to  keep  the 
minutes  with  neatness,  and  to  make  it  perfectly 
easy  to  distinguish  one  meeting  from  another, 
and  one  transaction  from  another,  than  it  is  to 


122    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Rules  for  Records. 

economize  room.  Hence,  also,  each  item  of  bus- 
iness should  be  placed  in  a  distinct  paragraph 
by  itself.  In  referring  to  past  transactions,  the 
pages  on  which  they  are  recorded  should  always 
be  mentioned.  The  date  of  each  meeting  should 
be  prefixed  to  the  minutes  of  its  proceedings, 
and  the  whole  ought  to  be  attested  by  the  sig- 
nature of  the  clerk.  It  should  be  the  care  of 
this  officer  to  keep  the  record-book  written  up, 
and  to  have  it  in  readiness  at  the  proper  times 
for  the  inspection  of  the  Presbytery. 

It  is  no  small  accomplishment  to  keep  the 
records  of  a  Church  accurately  and  tastefully. 
To  secure  correctness,  the  following  suggestions 
should  be  complied  with : 

1.  The  opening  and  closing  of  each  meeting 
with  prayer  should  be  expressly  mentioned. 
When  the  Session  meets  immediately  after  Di- 
vine service,  however,  it  is  allowable  to  omit 
the  opening  prayer. 

2.  The  names  of  the  moderator  and  elders 
present,  and  the  names  of  those  absent,  should 
be  recorded. 

3.  Mention  should  be  made  of  the  reading 
and  approval  of  the  minutes  of  the  previous 
meeting.  No  minutes  should  be  engrossed  un- 
til after  their  approval  by  the  Session. 


THE  MINISTRY.  123 


Rules  for  Records. 


4.  Ill  the  record  of  a  meeting,  motions  not 
carried,  and  matter  not  embraced  in  the  trans- 
actions of  that  meeting,  are  not  to  be  entered 
unless  by  direction  of  the  Session,  and  when 
entered  the  minute  should  be  prefaced  with  the 
words  "recorded  by  order  of  Session,"  or  others 
of  a  similar  import. 

5.  The  fact  of  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  should  be  recorded  by  direction  of  the 
Session,  at  the  meeting  first  succeeding  that 
service.  A  record  of  baptisms  may  also  prop- 
erly be  made. 

6.  The  names  of  applicants  for  admission  to 
the  Church,  and  the  places  of  their  residence, 
should  be  mentioned  in  full,  together  with  the 
vote  of  the  Session  in  each  case. 

7.  Dismissions  and  deaths  should  be  regular- 
ly reported  and  recorded. 

8.  In  cases  of  discipline,  the  minutes  should 
take  notice  of  every  step  in  the  process,  as  pre- 
scribed by  the  Book  of  Discipline.  The  testi- 
mony given  by  the  witnesses  is  also  to  be  care- 
fully preserved ;  but  this  may  be  either  spread 
upon  the  records,  or  kept  on  file  among  the  pa- 
pers of  the  Session. 

An  attention  to  these  principles,  and  a  care- 
ful statement,  succinct  and  yet  explicit,  of  every 


124    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Order  of  buisneas. 

transaction,  will  save  much  trouble  in  consult- 
ing the  minutes,  and  will  add  greatly  to  their 
historical  value.  The  labors  of  the  clerk  will 
also  be  rendered  easier,  and  the  time  of  the 
Presbytery  will  be  economized  when  the  rec- 
ords are  to  be  examined. 

Dispatch  of  business  may  be  promoted  by  the 
adoption  of  judicious  regulations  to  govern  the 
proceedings  of  the  Session.  The  rules  append- 
ed to  the  Form  of  Grovernment  are  not  binding 
on  our  ecclesiastical  bodies ;  but  each  Session 
may  adopt  them  so  far  as  they  are  applicable, 
together  with  such  others,  not  contrary  to  our 
government  and  discipline,  as  may  be  found 
expedient. 

It  is  frequently  necessary  for  a  pastor  to  con- 
vene the  Session  by  special  notice.  But  there 
is  an  advantage  in  providing  also  for  stated 
meetings,  as,  for  instance,  at  a  specified  time  be- 
fore each  communion  season.  The  following 
or  a  similar  order  of  business  may  be  observ- 
ed: 

1.  Prayer. 

2.  Beading  and  approving  the  minutes. 

3.  Reports  of  Committees. 

4.  Unfinished  business. 

5.  New  business. 

6.  Adjournment  and  closing  prayer. 


THE   MINISTRY.  125 


Officers  of  Session.  T^  i 
iJelegates. 

When  candidates  for  admission  to  the  Church 
are  present,  their  examination  may  be  intro- 
duced at  any  point  in  the  proceedings  found 
most  convenient. 

Each  Session  should  have  a  clerk  and  treas- 
urer, who  may  hold  their  offices  permanently, 
or  be  chosen  every  year. 

The  treasurer  should  keep,  in  a  book  pro-' 
vided  for  the  purpose,  an  accurate  account  of 
all  moneys  passing  through  his  hands.     He 
should  be  authorized  to  pay  the  Synodical  and 
Presbyterial  assessments,  and  to  provide  for  the 
expenses  of  the  pastor  and  delegate  in  attend- 
ing the  meetings  of  the  Presbytery  and  Synod. 
He  should  also  report,  periodically,  the  receipts 
and  disbursements  of  Sessional  funds,  and  of 
the  collections  raised  for  benevolent  purposes. 
Delegates  to  the  higher  judicatories  of  the 
Church,  with  alternates,  should  be  appointed  in 
season  for  the  meetings  of  those  bodies,  and  the 
fact  of  their  election  ought  to  be  recorded  in 
the  minutes.     When  these  arrangements  are 
left  to  a  private  understanding,  a  much  less  re- 
sponsibility is  apt  to  be  felt  in  reference  to  the 
duty  imposed  than  in  the  case  of  a  formal  elec- 
tion. 

It  ought  to  be  the  care  of  the  Session  to  in- 


126    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Absent  members.  Register.  Collectione. 

spect  the  Church  register  at  brief  intervals,  in 
order  that  measures  may  be  instituted  for  dis- 
covering absent  members  before  all  traces  of 
them  are  lost. 

Where  any  have  been  long  absent,  and  can 
not  be  found  after  the  most  diligent  inquiry,  it 
is  within  the  power  of  the  Session  to  suspend 
them  on  such  a  statement  of  facts.*  If  at  any 
time  they  should  reappear,  the  Session,  after 
proper  investigation,  may  remove  the  suspen- 
sion, or  proceed  to  discipline  upon  the  merits 
of  the  case. 

It  is  most  convenient  to  have  printed  forms 
for  letters  of  dismission ;  and  to  each  of  these, 
if  preferred,  a  blank  certificate  of  reception  may 
be  annexed,  to  be  filled  up  and  returned  by  the 
receiving  Church. 

To  avoid  defacing  the  register  in  the  case  of 
dismissed,  deceased,  or  excluded  members,  it  is 
better  to  draw  black  or  red  lines  under  the 
names,  or  affix  other  signs,  or  simply  to  desig- 
nate the  facts  under  the  head  of  remarks,  than 
to  expunge  the  names  themselves. 

A  collection  should  be  taken  for  the  Com- 
missioners' Fund  of  the  General  Assembly  or- 
dinarily not  later  than  the  first  of  May  in  each 

*  See  Minutes  of  General  Assembly,  1825,  p.  255,  256. 


THE  MINISTEY.  127 


statistical  Reports. 


year ;  and  the  same  time  may  be  cliosen  for  so- 
liciting contributions  to  the  treasury  of  the  Ses- 
sion for  tlieir  needful  expenses. 

A  statistical  report  is  required  of  each  Church 
by  the  Presbytery  annually,  at  its  spring  meet- 
ing. This  report  should  be  prepared  by  the  pas- 
tor or  clerk  of  Session,  and  should  embrace  the 
following  items : 

1 .  Number  of  communicants  added  on  examination. 

2.  Number  of  communicants  added  on  certificate. 

3.  Whole  number  of  communicants. 

4.  Number  of  adult  baptisms. 

5.  Number  of  infant  baptisms. 

G.  Amount  contributed  to  the  Assembly's  Fund. 

7.  Amount  contributed  to  domestic  missions. 

8.  "  "  foreign  missions. 

9.  "  "  education. 
10.         "                '*  publication. 

All  the  objects  of  benevolence  usually  pre- 
sented to  our  congregations  may  be  included 
under  the  four  divisions  above  mentioned. 

The  statistical  report,  when  prepared,  may  be 
entered,  by  vote  of  the  Session,  on  its  records, 
and  is  useful  for  preservation.  By  referring  to 
the  whole  number  of  communicants  inserted  in 
the  last  report,  and  then  adding  the  number  of 
new  members,  and  subtracting  the  number  of 
those  dismissed,  deceased,  or  excluded,  it  is  the 


128    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

The  Session.  Booka  of  Record. 

work  of  a  few  minutes  only  to  determine  tlie 
present  number  of  Churcli  members. 

A  copy  of  the  Form  of  Government  and  of 
the  Presbyterian  Manual,  both  issued  by  our 
Publication  Committee,  should  always  be  con- 
veniently accessible  where  the  Session  assem- 
bles for  business ;  and,  indeed,  it  is  very  desira- 
ble that  each  member  of  the  Session  should 
possess  both,  for  his  own  private  study  and 
general  use.  . 

FORMS  FOR  BOOKS  OF  RECORD. 

It  is  very  desirable  that  every  Session  should 
be  provided  with  books,  of  ample  size  and  con- 
venient arrangement,  for  the  preservation  of  the 
Church  statistics  and  the  minutes  of  their  own 
proceedings. 

Of  these  books  one  should  be  entitled  ^^ Rec- 
ords of  Session.''^  A  quarto  volume  of  from  four 
to  six  quires  will  be  found  to  be  of  an  advan- 
tageous size.  A  marginal  line  should  be  ruled 
in  red  ink  on  each  page,  to  secure  the  requisite 
space  for  entering  the  titles  appropriate  to  the 
several  transactions.  Head-lines  may  be  ruled 
if  desired,  and  every  page  should  be  distinctly 
numbered,  for  the  sake  of  conveniently  refer- 
ring to  any  required  minute. 


THE   MINISTKY.  129 


Form  for  Church  Register. 


A  second  book  indispensable  to  the  proper 
preservation  of  the  statistics  of  a  Church  is  de- 
nominated ''The  Church  Register^'"  and  should 
be  of  a  size  and  form  corresponding  to  the  book 
for  minutes  just  described.  It  is  well  to  have 
these  books  bound  uniformly  in  a  durable  stjde, 
and  made  so  large  that  the  volumes  will  not 
accumulate  too  rapidly.  Let  each  one,  besides 
its  title,  have  the  name  of  the  Church  and  the 
number  of  the  volume  printed  on  the  back. 

The  ruling  of  the  Church  Eegister  differs  in 
different  parts,  and  care  is  needed  in  its  arrange- 
ment, and  in  the  assignment  of  the  number  of 
pages  to  each  division.  We  give  a  description 
of  a  register  which  will  be  seen  to  answer  all 
the  purposes  of  such  a  book.  It  renders  easy 
the  work  of  keeping  the  statistics  of  the  largest 
Church,  and  has  been  found  perfectly  satisfac- 
tory in  actual  practice. 

The  Chronological  Register  must  be  taken  as 
the  basis  of  calculation.  We  will  assume  that 
room  is  provided  for  recording  the  names  of 
8000  members.  Allowing  27  names  to  a  page, 
this  will  require  112  pages.  The  Alphabetical 
Register,  intended  for  two  columns  of  names  on 
each  page,  may  then  be  divided  among  the  let- 
ters of  the  alphabet  as  follows; 


180    THE  presbytekian's  hand-book. 


Form  for  Church  Register. 

A  2, 

E2, 

I  2,    M  10,    Q    2, 

U  2, 

B  6, 

F4, 

J  2,     N    2,    E    4, 

V  2, 

C  8, 

G4, 

K  2,     0    2,     S  10, 

W  8, 

D4, 

II  8, 

L  4,     P    4,     T    2, 

Y2, 

Z2. 

This  will  give  100  pages — more  than  would 
be  needed  for  recording  3000  names  seriatim, 
and  yet  none  too  many,  when  we  consider  that 
the  proportion  of  names  to  each  letter  can  not 
be  previously  determined  with  entire  accuracy. 

The  Register  of  Dismissions  should  number 
about  75  pages ;  the  Register  of  Deaths,  35;  the 
Register  of  Baptisms,  100,  arranged  alphabetic- 
ally, according  to  the  same  classification  as  the 
alphabetical  register  of  members ;  and  the  Reg- 
ister of  Marriages,  80  pages.  Besides  these,  there 
should  be  a  Register  of  Pastors,  occupying  two 
pages,  though  constituting  one  record ;  a  Reg- 
ister of  Elders,  embracing  five  pages,  and  an- 
other of  Deacons  of  about  the  same  extent. 
Such  a  book  will  need  about  six  and  a  half 
quires  of  paper,  and  its  cost  will  vary  with  the 
quality  of  the  paper  and  the  style  of  the  bind- 
ing. It  will  be  easy,  from  this  description,  to 
make  a  proper  apportionment  for  volumes  of 
smaller  size. 

We  proceed  now  to  describe  the  ruling  and 


THE   MINISTRY.  131 


Form  for  Cliurch  Register. 


lettering  of  the  register  in  the  order  of  its  de- 
partments. 

The  Register  of  Pastors  should  have  on  the 
left  a  column  headed  "Date,"  arranged  as  is 
usual  in  account-books.  Then  should  follow  a 
broad  column  for  the  "Kame,"  and  a  column 
like  the  first,  with  the  lettering  ''When  Install- 
ed ;"  the  rest  of  the  page,  with  that  opposite  on 
the  right,  should  be  left  for  ''Eemarks."  The 
record  will  then  give  the  date  of  a  pastor's  call, 
his  name,  the  time  of  his  installation,  and  any 
historical  remarks  that  may  need  to  be  append- 
ed in  reference  to  the  length  of  his  ministry, 
his  resignation,  etc. 

The  Register  of  Elders  has  each  page  complete 
in  itself,  as  is  the  case  with  all  the  following  di- 
visions of  the  book.  It  requires  three  columns, 
headed  respectively  ''Date,"  "  Name,"  and  "Ee- 
marks."  The  Register  of  Deacons  is  precisely  the 
same. 

The  Alphabetical  Register  is  intended  to  facil- 
itate reference  to  the  catalogue  of  Church  mem- 
bers. It  requires  two  columns,  a  narrow  one 
headed  "Number,"  and  a  broad  one  for  the 
"  Fame."  Each  page  will  allow  two  columns 
of  entries.  Every  record  is  to  be  made  with 
the  surname  first,  in  the  order  of  admission,  and 


182    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Form  for  Church  Register. 

the  number  prefixed  will  direct  to  tlie  proper 
place  in  tlie  Chronological  Kegister.  This  index 
should  be  lettered  and  cut  on  the  edges. 

The  Chronological  Register  gives  each  mem- 
ber's name  in  the  order  of  admission,  with  the 
Christian  name  written  first.  The  first  column 
is  lettered  "Number,"  the  second  "  When  Ke- 
ceived,"  the  third  "Kames,"  the  fourth  "Wife 
or  Widow  of,"  the  fifth  "  How  Keceived,"  the 
sixth  "Baptized,"  the  seventh  "Page  of  Eec- 
ord,"  and  the  last  "  Eemarks."  It  can  be  thus 
seen  at  a  glance  what  number  in  the  catalogue 
each  member  holds ;  when  he  was  received ;  if 
a  female,  whether  a  wife  or  widow,  and  of  whom; 
the  manner  of  reception ;  whether  baptized  or 
not ;  where  recorded  in  the  minutes  of  Session ; 
and,  under  the  head  of  Eemarks,  the  time  of  dis- 
mission, decease,  or  exclusion. 

The  Register  of  Dismissions  contains  four  col- 
umns, headed  "Number,"  "Name,"  "When  Dis- 
missed," and  "  To  whom  Dismissed."  The  first 
column  is  to  show,  not  the  number  of  dismis- 
sions, but  the  number  by  which  each  dismiss- 
ed person  is  designated  on  the  general  cata- 
logue. 

The  Register  of  Deaths  is  divided  into  six  col- 
umns, for  the  Number,  Name,  Date,  Age,  Place, 


THE  MINISTEY.  133 


Form  for  Church  Register. 


and  Eemarks,  and  is  intended  to  record  the 
deaths  of  members  of  the  Church  only. 

The  Register  of  Infant  Baptisms  shows  the 
"Date  of  Baptism,"  "Name  of  Child,"  "Time 
of  Birth,"  and  "  Names  of  Parents."  The  pages 
should  be  cut  and  lettered  as  in  the  case  of  the 
Alphabetical  Eegister  of  Members. 

The  Register  of  Marriages  will  require  an  ar- 
rangement differing  according  to  the  laws  of 
the  States.  In  New  York  City  it  is  necessary 
to  record  the  date,  place  of  marriage,  names 
of  parties,  color,  whether  previously  married, 
where  born,  age,  residence,  and  witnesses.  A 
column  for  the  number  of  each  marriage  should 
occupy  the  first  place.  If  all  these  particulars 
are  not  required,  the  number,  date,  place,  names, 
residence,  and  witnesses  should  be  specified. 
All  the  marriages  performed  by  the  pastor, 
whether  of  Church  members  or  not,  are  to  be 
entered. 

In  all  of  these  registers  there  should  be  dou- 
ble head-lines,  above  which  should  be  printed 
the  general  title,  as  "Chronological  Eegister  of 
Church  Members,"  while  between  the  head-lines 
the  titles  of  the  different  columns  are  inserted. 
No  paging  is  required. 

The  Church  Eegister  should  be  ordinarily  in 


134      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 


Books  of  Record. 


the  charge  of  the  pastor,  and  if  accurately  kept 

it  will  give  the  necessary  information  as  to  the 

statistics  of  the  -Church  with  very  little  trouble 

of  investigation. 

The  only  other  important  book  is  one  for  the 

treasurer  of  Session.  This  may  be  smaller  than 

the  others,  and  need  not  correspond  with  them 

in  style.     It  should,  nevertheless,  not  be  too 

small,  and  should  be   a  strong,  durable,  and 

neatly-bound  volume.* 

*  The  plans  above  described  have  been  adopted  by  Messrs. 
Nathan  Lane  &  Co.,  stationers,  No.  69  Wall  Street,  who  have 
been  accustomed  to  the  manufacture  of  Church  blank-books, 
and  from  whom  they  can  be  procured. 


THE   MINISTRY.  135 


The  pastoral  office.  Titles. 


CHAPTER  HI. 

DUTIES  OF  BISHOPS  OR  PASTORS. 

"The  pastoral  office"  is  justly  esteemed 
among  us  as  "  the  first  in  the  Church,  both  for 
dignity  and  usefulness."  The  names  by  which 
those  who  exercise  its  functions  are  designated 
in  the  sacred  Scriptures  plainly  indicate  its  ex- 
cellence and  importance.  Among  these,  the 
titles  employed  in  the  heading  of  this  chapter 
are  conspicuous  and  expressive.  The  bishop 
is  the  overseer  of  the  flock,  and  this  name  is 
appropriately  assigned  to  the  pastor,  as  indica- 
tive of  those  functions  which  distinguish  his 
office,  while  the  latter  term  is  no  less  happily 
adapted  to  denote  another  of  his  highest  du- 
ties, that  of  feeding  the  flock,  and  exercising 
toward  it  all  the  tender  solicitude  of  a  shepherd. 
Christ  has  ennobled  the  pastoral  work  by  set- 
ting himself  before  iis  as  the  chief  Shepherd, 
and  by  illustrating  its  duties  in  very  striking 
and  beautiful  similitudes. 

One  who  holds  so  high  a  position,  who  is 
both  the  teacher  of  the  people  and  an  example 


136     THE  Presbyterian's  haxd-book. 

Duties  of  pastors. 

to  the  flock,  and  yet,  withal,  needs  to  imitate 
the  humility  and  patience  of  his  divine  Lord, 
can  be  furnished  with  no  brief  summary  of  his 
solemn  duties.  As  an  embassador  for  Christ, 
and  steward  of  the  mysteries  of  God,  he  must 
ever  have  recourse  to  the  page  of  Revelation 
and  to  communion  with  his  Maker,  that  he 
may  go  forth  to  his  work  baptized  continually 
afresh  with  the  Spirit  from  on  high.  The  rich 
counsels  of  the  Scriptures  furnish  inexhausti- 
ble materials  for  reflection.  These  he  can  not 
study  too  diligently.  ISTor,  as  one  who  speaks 
for  the  great  Head  of  the  Church,  can  he  too 
often  seek  divine  direction,  or  those  immediate 
communications  of  grace  which  shall  produce 
an  effect,  as  he  appears  before  the  people,  an- 
alogous to  that  wrought  on  Moses  when  his 
face  shone  with  unearthly  radiance  as  he  left 
the  dread  presence  of  his  Maker. 

Were  our  space  most  ample,  therefore,  we 
could  give  no  complete  view  of  ministerial  du- 
ties. With  our  restricted  limits  we  can  refer 
only  in  brief  terms  to  several  great  depart- 
ments of  the  work,  with  a  view  of  suggesting 
the  principal  objects  of  practical  interest,  and 
as  tending  to  farther  inquiry  and  reflection. 

The   official  duties   of  a  bishop  may  very 


THE  MINISTEY.  137 


Duties  of  pastors. ^^^ Preaching. 

naturally  be  made  to  fall  into  a  twofold  divis- 
ion, the  work  of  Instruction  and  that  of  Pas- 
toral Labor.  As  associated  with  the  former, 
we  might  properly  consider  the  most  suitable 
methods  of  conducting  the  various  services  of 
the  congregation,  and  those  belonging  to  less 
public  occasions,  but  the  extent  of  this  subject 
requires  that  it  be  placed  in  a  division  by  it- 
self 

The  first  and  highest  of  a  minister's  duties  is 
to  teach.  This  includes  both  preaching  and 
catechising,  upon  each  of  which  we  may  be- 
stow a  few  words. 

PREACHING. 

It  is  quite  unnecessary  for  us  to  dwell  upon 
points  that  are  amply  covered  by  the  instruc- 
tions of  the  theological  class-room.  We  desire 
rather  to  insist  that  the  preaching  of  the  Gos- 
pel of  Christ  shall  be  esteemed,  by  every  pas- 
tor, the  loftiest  and  noblest  part  of  his  sacred 
functions.  He  must  guard  against  unconscious- 
ly depreciating  the  importance  of  this  work. 
A  regular  and  laborious  preparation  for  his 
pulpit  is  obligatory  upon  every  one  who  would 
magnify  his  oflQce,  and  make  fall  proof  of  his 
ministry.     Let  no  one  suppose  that  a  careless 


138     TEE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Preaching.  Preparation. 

and  unstudied  proclamation  of  the  truth  will 
be  sufficient,  even  though  he  preaches  to  the 
most  uncultivated  hearers.  The  glory  of  the 
Master  whom  he  serves,  and  the  dignity  of  the 
Word  he  utters,  are  to  be  the  measure  of  his 
zeal  and  effort  in  setting  forth  the  unsearcha- 
ble'riches  of  Christ.  He  is  to  aim  at  complete- 
ness, clearness,  and  directness  in  his  presenta- 
tions, seeking  to  arrest  attention  by  his  earnest 
and  sincere  manner,  and  to  make  the  Gospel 
attractive  that  it  may  be  profitable.  We  make 
no  plea  for  sensational  preaching.  Every  thing 
is  to  be  avoided  scrupulously  in  the  pulpit  that 
serves  to  hide  the  Cross  and  direct  attention 
to  the  peculiarities  of  the  speaker.  But  the 
preacher  may  have  freshness  without  strange- 
ness, vivacity  without  frivolity,  attraction  with- 
out extravagance.  His  sole  aim  must  be  to  set 
forth  the  truth  for  the  truth's  sake,  and  all  the 
aids  he  may  employ  should  be  suited  to  the 
sacredness  of  his  object  and  the  holiness  of 
God's  sanctuary.  He  may  bring  forth  things 
new  as  well  as  old,  but  both  new  and  old  must 
be  the  things  that  God  has  revealed. 

Let  every  pastor,  then,  whatever  his  posi- 
tion, prepare  for  his  work  of  preaching  week 
by  week.     Care  will  be  needed  in  the  selection 


THE   MINISTEY.  189 

Selection  of  themes.  Composition. 

of  his  theme,  and  this  selection  ought  to  be 
made  earlj  in  the  week;  or,  what  is  better 
still,  subjects  as  they  occur  should  be  noted 
down,  preserved,  and  thought  over  from  time 
to  time,  that  there  may  be  always  a  store  of 
topics  on  which  the  mind  has  dwelt  with  inter- 
est, presenting  varied  materials  to  the  choice. 
A  judicious  variety  ought  to  be  observed  in 
determining  the  themes  of  discourse — doctrin- 
al, practical,  hortatory,  emblematic,  and  narra- 
tive subjects  being  introduced,  as  may  appear 
most  for  edification — though  often  the  circum- 
stances of  a  congregation  will  seem  to  prescribe 
the  particular  drift  of  a  discourse,  and  hence 
to  designate  the  class  of  subjects  to  be  drawn 
upon. 

A  choice  being  effected,  let  the  text  be  care- 
fully and  critically  studied.  A  man  need  be 
none  the  less  earnest  for  being  more  exact.  It 
is  desirable  that  the  work  of  composition  be 
commenced  not  later  than  Wednesday,  and  that 
the  remainder  of  the  week  be  devoted  to  the 
preparation  of  a  single  discourse.  It  may  often 
happen  that  a  minister,  under  peculiar  pressure, 
will  be  able  to  do  more  than  this ;  but  no  one, 
careful  of  his  health,  and  anxious  to  maintain 
a  steady  and  permanent  influence,  will  prefer 


140     THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Proportioning  study.  Lectures. 

to  preach  two  hastily-prepared  sermons  rath- 
er than  one  well-elaborated  discourse.  This 
needs  particularly  to  be  pressed  on  the  atten- 
tion of  those  ministers  who  are  stimulated  by 
the  ardor  of  youth  to  an  amount  of  work  be- 
.fore  which  the  overtaxed  frame  must  by-and- 
by  yield.  Economy  of  strength  is  consistent 
with  the  most  patient  industry.  And  it  is  bet- 
ter for  the  pastor  and  the  jDcople  that  the  former 
should  preach  every  Lord's  day  one  thorough- 
ly studied  discourse,  rather  than  two  of  a  crude 
and  superficial  character,  even  though,  for  a 
second  service,  he  must  needs  depend  on  a  brief 
skeleton  and  extemporaneous  delivery,  or  per- 
haps occasionally  on  the  repetition  of  a  previous 
sermon.  A  thoughtful  congregation  will  al- 
ways be  ready  to  indulge  their  minister  in  this 
respect,  rather  than  be  very  exacting,  knowing 
that  such  a  course  is  by  far  the  best  for  his 
own  usefulness,  and  for  their  edification  as  well. 
Besides  this,  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that  the 
pastor  has  generally  to  prepare  for  a  weekly 
lecture,  which  requires  time  and  study;  and 
has  many  other  duties  to  perform,  which,  even 
though  secondary  to  the  work  of  preaching,  are 
yet  indispensable,  and  consume  a  large  portion 
of  each  week. 


THE   MINISTKY.  141 


Extemporaneous  preaching. Exposition. 

A  systematic  preparation  of  only  one  ser- 
mon, moreover,  has  the  effect  of  inducing  the 
young  pastor  to  undertake  and  persevere  in  the 
work  of  extemporaneous  preaching,  a  familiar- 
ity with  which  will  be  of  great  value  to  him  in 
various  respects. 

A  suggestion  seems  to  be  here  in  place  re- 
specting the  importance  of  expository  preach- 
ing.    The  choice  of  a  book  of  Scripture,  to  be 
expounded  thoroughly,  in  successive  weekly 
lectures,  will  be  found  advantageous  in  saving 
time  that  would  be  otherwise  consumed  in 
selecting  independent  themes,  and  in  furnish- 
ing a  connected  train  of  thought  that  will  do 
much  to  facilitate  study.     But  of  far  greater 
consequence  is  the  discipline  of  mind  it  gives 
in  the  work  of  interpretation,  the  broad  and 
correct  views  it  secures,  and  the  character  of 
the  instruction  it  imparts  to  those  who  hear. 
In  no  way,  perhaps,  can  a  congregation  be  bet- 
ter indoctrinated,  or  be  more  easily  led  to  take 
an  interest  in  the  thorough  study  of  the  Word 
of  God  for  themselves,  than  through  the  medi- 
um of  careful  and  regular  exposition  in  the 
pulpit. 

Yet  it  is  an  error  to  suppose  that  this  style 
of  preaching  requires  comparatively  little  ef- 


142     THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Exposition.  Books. 

fort.  Ill  certain  respects  wliicli  we  have  indi- 
cated, it  saves  both  time  and  labor.  But,  in 
order  to  a  large  success,  the  most  earnest  and 
painstaking  investigation  will  be  found  indis- 
pensable, while  it  can  not  fail  to  be  amply  rec- 
ompensed. 

E:s:position  ought  not  to  be  excluded  from 
the  pulpit  on  the  Lord's  day.  The  frequent 
selection  of  important  extended  paragraphs  to 
be  explained,  or  a  series  of  expository  dis- 
courses on  some  entire  book  of  Scripture,  care- 
fully studied  and  preached  at  brief  intervals, 
can  hardly  fail  to  increase  the  influence  of  any 
pulpit. 

The  first  and  last  book  which  the  pastor  is  to 
study  is  the  Bible.  Around  this  clusters  a  large 
array  of  valuable  helps  on  every  department 
of  biblical  and  theological  learning,  to  which 
constant  accessions  are  being  made.  It  would 
be  almost  impracticable  to  furnish  any  satisfac- 
tory list  of  works  valuable  for  constituting  a 
pastor's  library.  We  append,  however,  to  this 
chapter  a  catalogue  of  books  having  especial 
claims  on  the  attention  of  young  ministers  just 
engaged  in  forming  their  selections,  and  anxious 
to  gather  about  them  at  the  outset  a  series  of 
sterling  and  reliable  works.     This  list,  with  the 


THE  JVIINISTEY. 


exception  of  a  few  names  which  we  have  add- 
ed, has  been  kindly  furnished  bj  an  eminent 
professor  in  the  Union  Theological  Seminary. 
We  desire  to  urge,  in  connection  with  the 
paramount  importance  of  thorough  study,  an 
attention  to  delivery.     We  would  be  far  from 
advocatmg  any  effort,  with  respect  either  to 
composition  or  delivery,  that  shall  have  for  its 
end  the  mere  pleasing  of  the  taste.     The  min- 
ister needs  to  study  style,  that  he  may  express 
himself  lucidly,  compactly,  and  with  nervous 
force.     He  should  seek  an  animated  and  cor- 
rect delivery,  that  what  he  says  may  have  all 
the  effectiveness  which  oratory  can  give  it 
What  object  is  worthy  to  engage  our  highest 
powers,  m  their  most  complete  development. 
It  not  that  holiest  and  most  sacred  work  the 
preaching  of  Christ  crucified  ?     There  is,  doubt- 
less, a  wide  prejudice  against  a  study  of  the 
arts  of  reading  and  delivery,  founded  on  the 
misapprehension  that  the  result  will  be  an  ar- 
tificial and  constrained  manner.     It  is,  on  the 
contrary,  the  ordinary,  untrained  manner  of 
speakers  that  is  apt  to  be  artificial  and  con- 
strained.     The  true  object  and  the  legitimate 
result  of  study  are  the  attainment  of  a  real 
naturalness;   and  we  are  persuaded  that  no 


144    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Reading.  Time  for  study.  Meetings  for  prayer. 

minister  who  pursues  the  study  of  reading  and 
delivery  with  any  degree  of  thoroughness  will 
regret  the  time  thus  spent. 

It  is  important  to  the  gaining  of  the  largest 
influence  that  the  pastor,  in  subordination  to 
his  principal  work,  should  pursue  a  course  of 
general  reading,  that  he  may  keep  pace  with 
the  progress  of  literature  and  science.  To  this 
he  may  turn  at  intervals,  as  he  becomes  wearied 
with  his  more  exhausting  professional  labors, 
and  find  in  it  both  refreshment  and  instruction. 

To  secure  the  best  facilities  for  study,  the 
pastor  should  be  free  from  interruption  during 
the  morning  hours  of  each  day.  He  may  easi- 
ly secure  an  understanding  on  this  point  with 
the  people  of  his  charge,  and  he  should  make 
arrangements  to  prevent  being  called  from  his 
study  by  others,  unless  for  imperative  reasons. 

It  seems  desirable  that  every  pastor  should 
generally,  if  not  regularly,  attend  the  stated 
meetings  for  prayer  in  his  congregation.  He 
may  conduct  these  himself,  or  commit  this  re- 
sponsibility to  the  elders.  The  latter  course 
accustoms  them  to  a  duty  which  befits  their  of- 
fice, and  to  which  they  are  necessarily  called  in 
the  pastor's  absence.  Nothing  will  be  lost,  but, 
on  the  contrary,  much  will  be  gained  by  mak- 


^THE   MINISTKY.  145 

Meetings  for  prayer.  Mode  of  conducting  them. 

ing  special  efforts  to  impart  interest  to  these 
social  services.  No  rules  can  be  laid  down  for 
attaining  this  end.  Brevity  and  variety,  how- 
ever, should  both  be  aimed  at.  The  whole  serv- 
ice should  not  be  extended  beyond  reasonable 
limits,  and  each  exercise  should  be  short.  Some- 
times the  members  of  the  Church  may  be  left 
largely  to  their  own  promptings  in  the  matter 
of  taking  part  in  the  service,  while  at  other 
times  the  pastor  may  call  upon  persons  with 
whom  he  has  previously  conferred  to  speak 
briefly  upon  points  which  they  have  been  led 
to  study.  Then,  too,  practical  and  doctrinal 
questions  may  be  privately  or  anonymously 
proposed  by  those  who  need  to  have  their 
doubts  cleared  up,  and  the  solution  of  these 
may  prove  instructive  to  others  besides  those 
who  originate  the  inquiries.  Thus,  by  a  little 
attention  to  variety,  and  by  frequent  consulta- 
tion on  the  part  of  the  pastor  with  individuals, 
much  may  be  done  to  infuse  life  and  vigor  into 
the  meetings  for  prayer,  without,  at  the  same 
time,  descending  to  any  measure  unsuited  to  the 
sacred  character  of  a  religious  service.  Some- 
thing, too,  may  be  done  toward  developing  any 
talent  in  the  Church  that  has  lain  dormant,  by 
organizing  meetings  for  diffident  persons  and 

K 


146    THE  Presbyterian's  hau^-book. 

Catechiaing  by  the  pastor.  Its  results. 


youthful  communicants,  where,  apart  from  their 
brethren,  they  may  accustom  themselves  to 
speak  and  pr  y. 

The  second  thing  included  in  this  department 
of  ministerial  labor  is 

CATECHETICAL  INSTRUCTION. 

It  is  something,  it  is  much,  that  each  child 
in  the  congregation  should  receive  instruction 
from  the  very  lips  of  his  pastor.  If  the  latter 
is  brought  thus  into  personal  contact  with  the 
young,  a  peculiar  weight  and  authority  is  im- 
parted to  his  teaching,  and  an  influence  of  great 
consequence  is  secured  through  the  personal 
friendship  springing  up  between  teacher  and 
pupil.  Moreover,  as  the  instructions  of  the 
catechism  are  followed  from  step  to  step  in  or- 
der, and  accompanied  with  ample  explanations, 
the  whole  Christian  system  is  passed  through 
with.  ISTo  doctrine  or  precept  of  the  Gospel  is 
neglected.  The  impressions  thus  secured  from 
the  completeness  of  catechetical  instruction  are 
invaluable. 

If  this  course  is  entered  upon  with  young 
children,  carrying  them  first  through  the  Ini- 
tiatory Catechism,  given  in  the  previous  part, 
a  thorough  Christian  education  may  be  secured 
in  the  term  of  six  or  eight  years. 


THE  MINISTRY.  147 

Time  for  the  work.  Its  method.  Frequency. 

It  is  often  asked  liow  the  pastor  can  find  time 
for  catechising  the  children,  and  what  may  be 
the  appropriate  seasons  for  the  wrxk.  To  these 
inquiries  it  may  be  answered,  in  the  first  place, 
that  the  work  is  of  primary  importance,  and  that 
the  necessary  time  ought  to  be  taken,  and  other 
engagements  accommodated  to  this.  The  in- 
struction of  the  congregation,  comprising  a  faith- 
ful public  dispensing  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  cat- 
echising of  the  children,  is  the  prime  article  of 
ministerial  duty.  "Feed my  sheep,"  "  Feed  my 
lambs,"  are  commands  that  must  not  be  lightly 
esteemed. 

But  when  shall  the  work  of  catechising  be 
done  ?  Doubtless  at  different  times  by  different 
pastors  and  in  different  circumstances.  Some 
have  chosen  to  connect  the  work  with  the  Sun- 
day-school, the  pastor  visiting  the  school  and  ex- 
amining it  in  the  Catechism  once  a  month,  or  at 
some  stated  time.  This  is  certainly  better  than 
nothing.  But  there  are  advantages  in  having 
a  separate  class,  in  which  the  children  go  to 
their  pastor  for  the  express  purpose  of  receiv- 
ing instruction  from  his  lips.  There  is  also  an 
advantage  in  meeting  once  each  week,  that  the 
influence  of  one  exercise  may  not  pass  away 
before  the  time  for  another.     If  this  demands 


148      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
Bible-classes.  Pastoral  visitation. 

too  much  of  the  pastor's  time,  he  may  pursue  a 
course  of  instruction  for  a  few  weeks,  allowing 
a  season  of  vacation,  after  which  the  work  may 
be  commenced  afresh. 

A  class  for  the  young,  including  persons  of 
middle  age,  may  also  be  formed  from  time  to 
time  as  a  regular  Bible-class,  or  for  the  purpose 
of  pursuing  some  specific  course  of  Christian 
study.  In  short,  it  will  be  found  that  the  work 
of  instructing  the  young  in  the  things  that  con- 
cern their  spiritual  well-being  will  admit  of 
great  variety  of  ministerial  labor. 

PASTORAL   LABOR. 

Perhaps  it  is  unnecessary  to  say  more  in  re- 
gard to  this  topic  than  to  specify  a  few  things 
in  respect  to  the  measure  of  the  work,  and  to 
insist  that  no  part  of  it  shall  be  neglected. 

The  visitation  of  every  family  of  the  congre- 
gation is  the  duty  of  the  pastor.  If  no  higher 
end  were  achieved  by  this  than  furnishing  a 
testimony  that  each  family  is  thought  of  and 
cared  for,  the  labor  would  be  abundantly  re- 
paid. Nor  is  it  a  small  advantage  that  each 
hearer  in  the  sanctuary  should  come  to  feel 
that  he  is  from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath  addressed 
by  his  pastor,  who  is  at  the  same  time  his  ac- 
quaintance and  personal  frienrl. 


THE   MINISTRY.  149 

Visitation.  Visiting  the  Sunday-schools. 

More  than  tliis  may  be  accomplished,  as  oc- 
casions may  thus  be  afforded  for  presenting  the 
claims  of  the  Grospel  to  such  persons  individu- 
ally as  may  be  ready  to  receive  it ;  and  even 
where  the  minister  does  not  feel  at  liberty  to 
give  his  advice  unasked,  an  opportunity  may 
be  secured  to  the  parishioner  for  seeking  the 
counsel  of  his  pastor.  In  a  small  congregation, 
much  may  be  accomplished  by  a  free  inter- 
course between  the  minister  and  his  people; 
and  perhaps  in  the  largest  churches  not  less 
should  be  expected  than  one  call  a  year  from 
the  pastor  on  every  family  of  his  flock,  and 
when  prayer  and  spiritual  conversation  are  ac- 
ceptable, they  should  not  be  neglected. 

In  times  of  sickness  and  bereavement,  or  any 
other  affl-iction,  there  should  be  a  readiness  to 
make  seasonable  visits,  that  the  consolations  of 
the  Gospel  may  be  administered ;  and  the  peo- 
ple should  be  instructed  to  send  for  their  min- 
ister with  the  utmost  freedom  in  their  seasons 
of  trial. 

Under  pastoral  labor  may  be  included  also 
the  frequent  visitation  of  the  Sunday-schools. 
Addresses  to  the  children,  or  brief  conferences 
with  the  teachers  and  pupils  of  the  separate 
classes,  will  do  much  to  endear  the  pastor  to 


150      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
Sunday-school  visitation.  Routine  duties. 

his  charge,  and  will  furnish  great  encourage- 
ment to  the  superintendents  and  teachers.  The 
members  of  the  congregation  will  thus  be  stim- 
ulated to  assist  in  the  work,  and  opportunities 
may  be  secured  for  conference  with  those  most 
interested  in  reference  to  the  extension  of  Sun- 
day-school operations  or  the  planting  of  new 
schools. 

But,  whatever  is  undertaken  by  the  pastor,  it 
is  especially  necessary  to  success  in  his  work 
that  every  thing  should  be  begun,  continued, 
and  ended  in  fervent  prayer  for  the  assistance 
of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

A  word  will  be  sufficient  in  reference  to 
those  duties  which  are  of  inferior  consequence 
in  themselves,  and  yet,  at  the  same  time,  are  so 
important  that  they  can  not  be  neglected  with- 
out directly  or  indirectly  interfering  with  use- 
fulness. 

These,  which  may  be  distinguished  as  routine 
duties,  embrace  such  things  as  punctuality  and 
exactness  in  observing  engagements  and  official 
calls,  accuracy  in  keeping  the  Church  statis- 
tics and  the  register  of  marriages,  and  regular- 
ity in  attending  the  meetings  of  ecclesiastical 
bodies.  Upon  the  latter  point  especially  would 
we  lay  emphasis.     It  should  be  a  settled  thing 


THE   MINISTRY.  151 


Ecclesiastical  meetings.  Health. 

with  our  ministers  that  the  sessions  of  their 
Presbytery  and  Synod  are  to  be  uniformly  at- 
tended, unless  other  duties  interfere  that  very 
manifestly  relieve  them  from  the  obligation. 
The  presence  and  counsel  of  every  member  of 
these  bodies  are  desirable.  Each  individual 
needs  the  influence  of  these  ecclesiastical  gath- 
erings on  his  own  mind;  and  it  is  to  the  ad- 
vantage of  each  Church  that  it  should  accord 
every  facility  to  its  pastor  and  representative 
from  the  Session  for  attending  these  periodi- 
cal meetings.  It  is  hence  advisable  that  our 
churches  should  uniformly  adopt  the  rule  of 
paying  the  expenses  of  their  minister  and  elder 
to  the  Presbytery  and  Synod,  whether  these  ex- 
penses be  large  or  small.  Such  a  course  will 
promote  punctuality,  and  also  insure  great  effi- 
ciency in  our  denominational  enterprises. 

It  is  not  inappropriate  to  close  these  hints 
with  an  earnest  appeal  to  ministers  on  the  sub- 
ject of  health.  A  youthful  pastor,  whose  spir- 
its are  buoyant  and  whose  bodily  vigor  is  un- 
impaired, is  very  apt  to  disregard  exposures 
and  labors  that  those  in  later  life  have  learned 
to  avoid ;  and  sometimes,  through  early  impru- 
dence, the  seeds  of  disease  are  planted,  whose 
fruits  afterward  seriously  interfere  with  useful- 


152    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Health.  Exercise.  Caution. 

ness.  A  constant  care  on  this  point  need  not 
detract  from  the  utmost  faithfulness  in  duty. 
Indeed,  this  is  itself  but  a  part,  and  no  unim- 
portant part  of  duty.  It  is  a  Christian  obliga- 
tion to  use  means  to  preserve  the  health.  And 
the  Apostle  John  expressed  no  unmeaning 
wish  when  he  wrote  to  Gains,  "  Beloved,  I  wish 
above  all  things  that  thou  mayest  prosper  and 
be  in  health,  even  as  thy  soul  prospereth." 

The  sedentary  employments  of  the  study 
operate  unfavorably  on  the  physical  constitu- 
tion, unless  properly  counteracted ;  and  the  ex- 
ercise obtained  in  ordinary  pastoral  visitation 
is  scarcely  sufficient  for  this  purpose.  There 
ought,  therefore,  to  be  some  plan  adopted  by 
every  pastor  for  securing  healthful,  vigorous 
exercise  daily ;  and  this  is  no  less  useful  to  the 
mind,  in  diverting  its  thoughts  from  their  ordi- 
nary channels,  than  it  is  to  the  body. 

Nor  does  it  follow  that  an  amount  of  labor 
which  may  be  endured  once,  or  for  a  little 
while,  with  apparent  impunity,  is  therefore  safe. 
A  pastor  may  feel  no  bad  result  from  preach- 
ing three  sermons  on  the  Lord's  day  now  and 
then  ;  yet  but  few  constitutions,  probably,  could 
withstand  the  wear  resulting  from  a  constant 
practice  of  this  kind,  to  say  nothing  of  the  study 
requisite  to  support  it. 


THE  MINISTRY.  153 

Care  of  health.  Life-assurance. 

Let  every  pastor,  therefore,  be  watchful  of 
his  health.  Let  him  see  that  every  function  of 
the  body  is  undisturbed.  Let  him  use  judi- 
cious exercise  systematically,  and  pay  special 
attention  to  the  training  of  the  vocal  organs 
and  the  lungs.  Let  him  protect  the  passages  to 
the  throat  with  particular  care  after  every  ef- 
fort at  speaking,  and  especially  at  night,  wheth- 
er in  winter  or  summer.  And  if  he  discovers 
any  symptom  of  disease,  however  slight,  let  him 
seek  medical  advice  without  delay,  that  the  evil 
may  be  arrested  before  it  has  become  firmly 
seated  in  the  system. 

The  importance  of  this  subject  can  scarcely 
be  overestimated,  and  we  may  connect  with  it 
a  single  hint  on  the  desirableness,  to  ministers, 
of  life-assurance.  The  principles  on  which  this 
business  is  carried  on  by  our  sound  and  respon- 
sible companies  will  bear  investigation.  The 
propriety  of  securing  an  insurance  on  one's  life 
can  need  no  argument  at  this  late  day,  and  the 
wisdom  of  it  must  become  apparent  on  the  least 
reflection.  By  attending  to  this  matter  at  an 
early  age,  and  while  in  good  health,  provision 
may  be  made  for  a  family,  available  after  the 
decease  of  its  head,  by  the  payment  of  quite  a 
moderate  annual  sum,  which,  without  the  stim- 


154    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Congregational  libraries. 

ulus  of  some  such  plan  as  this,  would  probably 
not  be  laid  up  at  all,  or  if  so,  would  be  liable  to 
be  expended  in  any  season  of  peculiar  emer- 
gency. The  knowledge  that  such  a  provision 
for  a  dependent  family  is  made,  will  lighten 
many  a  care  and  prevent  many  an  anxious 
thought. 

Whatever  assists  a  pastor  in  the  efficient  per- 
formance of  his  duties  may  be  fitly  mentioned 
in  this  connection.  We  shall  refer,  however, 
to  only  a  single  object,  that  has  been  too  little 
regarded  in  our  various  plans  for  advancing 
the  cause  of  Christ.  We  allude  to  the  estab- 
lishment of 

CONGREaATIONAL   LIBRARIES. 

We  recommend  to  pastors  the  importance 
of  commencing  an  effort  for  the  establishing 
of  libraries,  to  be  owned  by  the  congregations, 
chiefly  for  the  use  of  their  ministers  in  all  fu- 
ture time.  Such  an  undertaking  might  be 
urged  upon  the  people  either  when  an  individ- 
ual of  wealth  has  been  induced  to  make  a  foun- 
dation for  the  work  by  a  considerable  donation, 
or  at  some  favorable  juncture  for  securing  the 
co-operation  of  several  persons. 

A  plan  imbodying  the  following  statements 


THE  MINISTEY.  155 

Plan  for  a  library. 

and  reasons  for  tlie  effort  would  commend  it- 
self to  many  of  our  cliurclies,  if  it  were  oppor- 
tunely presented. 

PLAN   FOR  A   LIBRARY. 

The  library  to  be  founded  shall  belong  to 
the  Presbyterian  Church  of  A.  B.,  and  shall  be 
controlled  by  the  trustees  in  the  same  manner 
as  the  house  of  worship  and  other  property  is 
controlled. 

It  shall  be  kept  in  a  room  in  immediate  con- 
nection with  the  church  or  chapel,  or  in  some 
other  eligible  place  especially  prepared  for  its 
reception  and  preservation,  and  which  may  also 
be  used  as  the  pastor's  study. 

The  pastor  shall  be  the  librarian,  and  also 
the  chairman  of  a  committee  of  five  persons, 
chosen  by  the  trustees  from  their  own  number 
or  the  congregation,  or  both,  one  half  annually, 
to  take  charge  of  the  library. 

This  committee  shall  appoint  from  their  num- 
ber a  secretary  and  a  treasurer;  shall  receive 
donations  in  money  and  books,  and  make  pur- 
chases, reporting  the  result  of  their  proceedings 
to  the  congregation  at  its  annual  meeting  for 
the  election  of  trustees.  It  may  report  also,  at 
other  times,  when  it  shall  deem  that  the  inter- 


156    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Advantages  of  a  library. 


ests  of  the  library  will  be  advanced  by  any 
presentation  of  its  condition  and  claims  to  the 
people.  Or  there  may  very  appropriately  be  an 
annual  contribution  solicited  for  the  library, 
when  all  matters  pertaining  to  it  may  be  fully 
set  forth. 

The  library  shall  be  for  the  special  use  of 
the  minister ;  but,  through  him,  members  of  the 
congregation  may  have  access  to  the  same  for 
consultation. 

Among  the  advantages  of  such  a  foundation 
we  may  enumerate  the  following : 

1.  Our  pastors,  unless  they  happen  to  inherit 
ample  means,  are  scarcely  ever  able  to  purchase 
for  themselves  copies  of  the  ancient  Fathers  and 
other  costly  works,  to  which  it  is  very  desira- 
ble that  they  should  have  easy  access.  These 
may  be  without  difficulty  obtained  through  the 
united  efforts  of  a  number. 

2.  When  the  foundation  for  such  a  library 
is  once  laid,  it  may  be  built  up  by  constant  ac- 
cretions through  a  series  of  years ;  and  a  pleas- 
ing opportunity  will  be  thus  afforded  to  men 
of  letters  and  other  friends  to  assist  the  Church 
by  making  such  benefactions  as  shall  accord 
with  a  cultivated  taste,  and  exercise  an  influ- 
ence in  attaching  them  and  their  families  also 
to  the  congregation. 


THE  MINISTKY.  157 

Recommendation  of  books. 

3.  It  will  add  to  the  reputation  and  influence 
of  the  congregation  to  make  such  provision  for 
the  growing  scholarship  of  its  pastors,  and  to  fa- 
vor so  strongly  theological  research  and  learn- 
ing. 

4.  All  other  things  being  equal,  a  congrega- 
tion will  be  better  instructed  if  its  pastors  have 
the  use  of  such  a  library. 

5.  The  possession  of  such  a  library  by  the 
congregation  furnishes  a  motive  to  an  able  and 
desirable  minister  to  accept  the  pastoral  charge 
when  called  to  it. 

The  list  of  works  for  pastors,  with  which  this 
chapter  is  closed,  embraces  many  of  the  most 
valuable  in  the  several  departments  named. 
Yery  many  others,  however,  not  a  few  of  them 
of  great  importance  and  celebrity,  have  been 
necessarily  omitted.  The  following  selection 
would  constitute  an  excellent  library  of  a  very 
fair  but  moderate  size.  In  each  department 
we  have  distinguished  several  books  by  the  use 
of  capital  letters.  This  has  been  done  for  the 
benefit  of  those  who  may  wish  to  limit  their 
expenditure  to  about  one  hundred  dollars.  The 
works  so  indicated  will  cost  a  minister  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  or  sixty  dollars ;  but  it 


158      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
List  of  books. 

is  fair  to  presume  that  some  of  them,  or  their 
equivalents,  to  a  third  of  this  amount,  have  been 
already  procured  during  the  course  of  academic 
and  theological  study.  In  making  so  brief  a 
selection  from  a  catalogue  already  moderate  in 
length,  we  have  sought  to  secure  variety  as  far 
as  possible,  and  to  recommend  works  of  con- 
stant utility.  The  remainder  of  the  list,  of 
course,  contains  others  not  less  valuable  and 
worthy  of  commendation.  And  in  a  few  in- 
stances, perhaps,  we  have  passed  by  a  more  im- 
portant work  for  one  of  rather  less  conse- 
quence, where  the  price  of  the  former  has  pre- 
cluded its  introduction  into  the  smaller  list. 

SELECTION  OF  BOOKS. 
1.  Biblical  Literature. 

BiBLIA   HeBRAICA. 

Septuagint.     Latin  Vulgate. 

Robinson's  Gesenius'  Hebrew  Lexicon. 

Hebrew  Grammar  (Gesenius  or  Nordheimer). 

Wm.  Smith's  Dictionary  of  the  Bible.    (Kitto.) 

Jahn's  Biblical  Archaeology. 

Jahn's  Hebrew  Commonwealth. 

Hug's  Introduction  to  the  New  Testament. 

Home's  Introduction  (new  edition). 

Coleman's  Geography  op  the  Bible. 

Findlay's  or  Butler's  Classical  Atlas. 

Mitchell's  New  Ancient  Geography. 

Westcott's  New  Testament  Canon. 


THE  MINISTRY.  159 


List  of  books. 


M'Clelland  on  the  Canon  and  Interpretation. 

New  Testament  (Hahn,  Tischendorf). 

New  Testament  Grammar  (Winer). 

Robinson's   Greek  -  English  Lexicon   of   the   New 

Testament. 
Fairbairn's  Hermeneutical  Manual. 
Annotated  Paragraph  Bible. 
Student's  Bible. 
Cruden's  Concordance. 
Scott's  Commentary. 
Bagster's  Analytic  Hebrew  Lexicon. 
The  Land  and  the  Book  (Thomson). 
Fairbairn's  Typology  and  Prophecy. 
Simmons'  Manual. 
Robinson's  Biblical  Researches  in  Palestine. 

2.  The  Old  Testament. 

Hengstenberg's  Authenticity  of  the  Pentateuch. 

Hengstenberg's  Christology. 

Turner's  Companion  to  Genesis. 

Bush's  Notes.     Bonar's  Leviticus. 

Kings  and  Joshua :  Keil. 

Psalms  :  Alexander.   (Calvin,  Tholuck,  Hengstenberg.) 

Barnes'  Notes  on  Job. 

Proverbs:  Stuart.     (Bridges.^ 

Ezekiel:  Fairbairn. 

Isaiah  :  Alexander.     (Barnes,  Lowth.) 

Henderson's  Minor  Prophets. 

Stuart  on  the  Old  Testament. 

Havernich's  Introduction  to  the  Old  Testament. 

Havernich's  Introduction  to  the  Pentateuch. 

Otto  Van  Gerlach's  Pentateuch. 

Daniel:  Barnes.     (Stuart,  Auberlen.) 


160     THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


List  of  books. 


3.  Tlie  New  Testament. 

Bengel's  Gnomon. 

Olshauscn's  Commentaries. 

Stier's  Words  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

Acts:  Hackett.    (Alexander.) 

RosiANS:  Hodge.     (Stuart,  Tholuck,  Chalmers,  Turner.) 

Corinthians:  Hodge.     (Stanley.) 

Ephesians:  Hodge. 

Philippians  and  Colossians:  Eadie. 

Hebrews :  Stuart.     (Tholuck,  Turner.) 

Peter  :  Leighton.     (Brown.) 

Apocaly]5se :   Stuart. 

Alford's  Greek  Testament.     (Bloomfield.) 

Tholuck  on  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  and  John. 

Trench  on  the  Parables.     (Lisco.) 

Trench  on  the  Miracles. 

Drummond  on  the  Parables. 

Neander  on  Philippians,  James,  and  John. 

Da  Costa's  Four  Witnesses. 

Lee  on  Inspiration. 

Harmony  of  the  Gospels:  Robinson. 

Dr.  John  J.  Oaven  on  the  Gospels. 

Alexander  on  Matthew  and  Mark. 

Barnes  on  the  New  Testament.     (Jacobus.) 

Doddridge's  Family  Expositor. 

4.  Systematic  Theology. 

Dwight's  Theology.     Woods. 
Knapp,  ed.  by  Woods.    Edwards.     Hopkins. 
Hill's  Divinity.     Richard's  Lectures. 
Chalmers'  Works.     Dick's  Theology. 
N.  W.  Taylor.     Payne.     Wardlaw. 


THE  MINISTRY.  161 

List  of  books. 

Pye  Smith's  Outlines,  and  Divinity  of  Christ. 
Pictet's  Theology.     Witsius. 
Mailer's  Doctrine  of  Sin. 
Hall's  Harmony  of  the  Confessions. 
Cudworth.    Bishop  Bull.     Schmucker. 
Pearson  on  the  Creed.     Tulloch's  Theism. 
Burnet  on  the  Thirty-nine  Articles. 
Ridgeley's  Divinity.     Watson. 
Chamock.     Bellamy.     Turretine. 
Canones  et  Decreta  Concilii  Tridentini. 
Catechismus  Romanus. 
Augustine,  De  Doctrina  Christi. 
Calvin's  Institutes.    Melancthon's  Loci. 

5.  Evidences,  etc. 

Pascal's  Thoughts.    Paley's  Evidences. 
Butler's  Analogy.    Whately's  Evidences. 
M 'Cosh's  Method  of  the  Divine  Government. 
Mark  Hopkins'  Lectures.    Gregory's  Letters. 
Bp.  M'llvaine.    Bp.  Wilson. 
Leslie's  Short  Method  with  the  Deists. 
Young's  Christ  op  History. 
Restoration  of  Belief  :  Isaac  Taylor. 
Rawlinson's  Historical  Evidences. 
Hitchcock's  Geology.    Davres'  Archaia. 
Bible  and  Science :  Tayler  Lewis. 
Bushnell's  Nature  and  the  Supernatural. 

6.  Church  History. 
Josephus.    Eusebius. 
Kurtz'  Sacred  History. 
Kurtz'  History  of  the  Old  Dispensation. 
Kurtz'  History  of  the  Church. 

L 


162       THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 

List  of  books. 

Smith's  Sacred  Annals. 

Prideaux.     Shuckford.     Mosheim. 

Gieseler's  Church  Histoiy. 

Neander's  Church  History. 

History  of  the  Christian  Church  in  Chronological 

Tables  :  H.  B.  Smith. 
Hagenbach's  History  of  Doctrines. 
Neander's  History  of  Doctrines. 
SchafF's  Apostolic  Church. 
Base's  History  of  the  CHKisnAN  Church. 
D'Aubigne's  Reformation.  ,"• 

Neal's  History  of  the  Puritans. 
Tracy's  Great  Awakening. 
Herzog's   Protestant  Theological  Encyclopedia,  ed.  by 

Bomberger. 
Coleman's  Ancient  Christianity  exemplified. 
Rupp's  History  of  all  Denominations. 
Pope's  Supremacy :  Barrow. 
Dissuasion  from  Popery :  Taylor. 
Schaff's  History  of  the  First  Three  Centuries. 

7.  Practical. 

Porter's  Commonplace  Book.    Porter's  Manual. 
Baxter's  Reformed  Pastor. 

Confession  of  Faith  and  Form  of  Government.  I 

Presbyterian  Manual.  \ 

Hall's  Sermons.     Fosteriana.  i 

South's  Sermons.    Jeremy  Taylor.  1 

Bishop  Hall's  Scripture  History.  \ 

Augustine's  Confessions.     Owen.    Howe.  } 

Taylor's  Holy  Living  and  Dying.  | 

Hodge's  Way  of  Life.     Chillingworth.  ; 
Vinet's  Pastoral  Theology  and  Homiletics. 


i 


THE  MINISTKY.  163 


List  of  books. 


Hooker's  Ecclesiastical  Polity. 
Litton's  Church  of  Christ. 
Whately's  Kingdom  of  Christ. 
Alexander's  Primitive  Church  Offices. 
Barnes'  Apostolic  Church.     Onderdonk. 
Coleman's  Apostolic  Church. 
King's  Primitive  Church. 
New  Digest  of  the  Assembly. 

8.  History. 

Weber's  Outlines.     (Taylor,  Wilson.) 

Oxford  Chronological  Tables. 

Rosse's  Index  of  Dates,  in  Bolm's  Libraiy. 

Arnold's  Lectures  on  Modern  History. 

Kenrick's  Egypt.     Menzel's  Germany. 

Schmitz's  Ancient  History. 

Wm.  Smith's  Greece.     (Grote,  Thirlwall.) 

Liddell's  Rome.     (Niebuhr,  Arnold.) 

Guizot's  Modern  Civilization. 

Motley's  Dutch  Republic. 

Motley's  United  Netherlands. 

Gibbon's  Decline  and  Fall  of  the  Roman  Ejipire. 

Milman's  Latin  Christianity. 

Hallam's  Middle  Ages. 

Robertson's  Charles  Fifth. 

Ranke's  Popes  and  Reformation. 

Macaulay's  England. 

Carlyle's  French  Revolution. 

John  Lord's  Modern  History. 

Patton's  United  States. 

Smyth's  Modern  History. 

Guyot's  Physical  Geography. 

Bancroft's  United  States.     Hildreth. 

Prescott's  Works. 


164    THE  presbytekian's  hand-book. 

List  of  books. 

9.  Philosophy. 

Thomson's  Necessary  Laws  of  Thought. 
Hamilton's  Logic  and  Metaphysics,  and  Discussions. 
Marsh's  Remains.     Coleridge.     Chalybaus. 
Mahan's  Intellectual  Philosophy. 
Reid's  Intellectual  Powers,  Walker's  ed . 
Stewart's  Moral  Philosophy,  Walker's  cd. 
Hickok's  Science  of  Mind,  Cosmology,  Rational  Psychol- 
ogy, etc. 
Winslow's  Moral  Philosophy. 
Cousin  on  the  True,  Beautiful,  and  Good. 
Moffat's  Esthetics.     Tappan's  Logic. 
Schwegler's  History  of  Philosophy.    (Morell.) 
M'Intosh's  History  of  Ethical  Science. 
Hegel's  Philosophy  of  History. 
Mansel's  Prolegomena  Logica. 
Kant's  Critique,  by  Meiklejohn. 
Lieber's  Civil  Liberty. 
Fleming's  Vocabulary  op  Philosophy. 

10.  General  Literature. 
Shakspeaee.    Milton.     Gary's  Dante. 
Bacon's  Essays.     Burke.     Junius. 
Macaulat's  Miscellanies. 
Ruskin's  Modern  Painters. 
Chambers'  Selections,  etc. 
Mrs.  Botta's  History  of  Literature. 
D'Israeli's  Curiosities  of  Literature. 
Hare's  Guesses  at  Truth. 
Kame's  Elements  of  Criticism. 
Schlegel's  Dramatic  Literature. 
Marsh's  English  Language. 


THE  MINISTRY.  165 


List  of  books. 


Fowler's  English  Grammar.     (Brown.) 
Worcester's  (Webster's)  English  Dictionary. 
Chambers'  Encyclopedia. 
New  American  Cyclopedia. 


LiDDELL  AND    ScOTT'S    GrEEK-EnGLISH   LEXICON. 

Crooks  and  Schem's  Latin-English  Lexicon. 
Harper's  Classical  Series. 


PART   III. 
SERVICES  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PUBLIC  WORSHIP  ON  THE  LORD's  DAY. 

The  conducting  of  the  public  worship  of 
God  is  worthy  of  being  made  the  subject  of 
careful  previous  preparation.  The  mind  and 
the  emotions  of  the  heart  ought  to  be  brought 
into  harmony  with  the  solemn  offices  of  prayer 
and  praise,  and  all  the  parts  of  duty  should  be 
arranged  in  a  seemly  and  edifying  order. 

The  devotional  services  of  the  sanctuary,  it 
is  true,  receive  advantage  from  any  tincture  of 
freshness  which  may  be  derived  from  times 
and  occasions;  for  availing  ourselves  of  which, 
our  admirable  system  of  worship,  which  allows 
the  largest  freedom  in  the  use  of  extemporane- 
ous prayer,  furnishes  every  opportunity.  Some 
distinguished  clergymen,  however,  of  our  own 
and  kindred  churches,  have  sought  improve- 
ment for  themselves  and  the  edification  of  their 


168    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Liturgical  composition.  Order  of  service. 

people  by  a  partial  use  of  precomposed  forms. 
Calvin,  Knox,  Baxter,  and  Chalmers  resorted 
to  the  work  of  liturgical  composition. 

And  doubtless  many  of  the  present  day,  es- 
pecially young  ministers,  might  derive  advant- 
age from  pursuing  judiciously,  and  to  a  limited 
extent,  a  similar  course.  We  give  hereafter 
some  forms  of  invocation  for  the  opening  of 
public  worship,  and  several  prayers  for  differ- 
ent occasions. 

It  will  be  seen,  from  the  smallness  of  this 
collection,  that  we  do  not  intend  to  recommend 
a  reliance  upon  such  forms.  The  end  of  their 
introduction  will  be  accomplished  if  beginners 
are  assisted,  and  the  inquiry  is  raised  in  the 
minds  of  pastors  whether  they  ought  not  to 
pay  special  attention  to  the  attainment  of  vari- 
ety, adaptedness,  and  propriety  of  expression  in 
prayer.  To  secure  these,  there  is  no  doubt  that 
the  pen  is  a  valuable  auxiliary,  and  the  com- 
positions of  others. may  be  studied  with  profit. 

A  uniform  order  is  desirable  in  conducting 
the  services  of  the  sanctuary  on  the  Lord's  day. 
The  comfort  of  the  worshipers  would  be  pro- 
moted by  such  uniformity,  and  ministers  would 
be  preserved  from  embarrassment  in  leading  the 
worship  of  other  congregations  than  their  own. 


SERVICES.  169 


Order  of  service.  Invocation. 


The  following  is,  perhaps,  as  proper  in  itself 
as  an  J,  and  is  sanctioned  by  extensive  usage : 

An  Order  of  Service  for  the  Lord's  Bay. 

1.  Invocation. 

2.  Psalm  or  hymn. 

3.  Reading  the  Scriptures.    [It  is  recommended  that  this 
be  never  omitted  in  any  religious  service.] 

4.  Prayer. 

5.  Psalm  or  Hymn. 

6.  Notices. 

7.  Sermon. 

8.  Prayer. 

9.  Psalm  or  Hymn,  with  Doxology. 
10.  Benediction. 

AN  INVOCATIOK 

Almighty  and  glorious  Creator,  we  adore 
thee  as  our  God.  As  thy  dependent  creatures 
we  look  up  to  thee.  We  wait  upon  thee  for 
thy  blessing.  Grant  us  the  tokens  of  thy  gra- 
cious presence  while  we  open  our  lips  to  pray 
to  thecj  while  we  attempt  to  utter  thy  praises 
in  the  sanctuary. 

Impart  to  us,  we  beseech  thee,  a  deep  sense 
of  our  sinfulness  and  of  our  wants.  Supply 
those  wants,  and  cleanse  us  from  our  guilt. 
Let  the  blood  of  Christ  be  sprinkled  upon  our 
souls,  and  so  sanctify  our  natures  by  thy  Holy 


170    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Invocation. 

Spirit  as  to  fit  us  for  communion  with  thee. 
May  we  see  thy  glory  in  the  sanctuary:  may 
we  find  a  day  in  thy  courts  better  than  a  thou- 
sand elsewhere.  Let  thy  holy  Word  enlighten 
and  cheer  us ;  let  the  dews  of  thy  grace  de- 
scend on  us,  and  all  our  worship  be  so  offered 
that  it  shall  be  acceptable  to  thee  through  Je- 
sus Christ.     Amen. 

AN  INYOCATIOI^. 

Eternal  God,  thou  art  the  maker  and  pre- 
server of  all  things.  The  heavens  show  forth 
thy  praise,  and  the  earth  is  full  of  thy  glory. 
All  things  created  are  thine.  Thou  hast  en- 
dowed thy  sentient  creatures  with  susceptibili- 
ties for  enjoyment,  and  made  ample  provision 
for  their  wants.  Thou  openest  thy  liberal  hand 
to  give  to  all  their  meat  in  due  season. 

By  thee  the  lilies  are  clothed,  and  saints  and 
seraphs  are  invested  with  robes  of  purity.  By 
thee  the  smallest  insects  are  refreshed,  the 
young  lions  that  roar  for  meat  are  supplied, 
and  those  that  dwell  in  thy  courts  below  and 
thy  courts  above  are  fed  with  heavenly  manna, 
and  blessed  with  visions  of  thy  glory. 

Grant  us  just  views  of  thy  majesty  and  thy 
holiness,  that  we  may  be  humble  in  thy  pres- 


SERVICES.  171 


Invocation. 


ence.  Impart  to  us  a  due  sense  of  our  depend- 
ence, that  we  may  render  to  thee  grateful  ac- 
knowledgments. Help  us  to  receive  thy  gifts 
with  thankfulness,  and  humbly  to  imitate  thy 
beneficence. 

Forgive  our  manifold  sins,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  thy  dear  Son,  our  Saviour.  Assist  us, 
by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  in  all  our  worship.  Let 
the  words  of  our  mouth  and  the  meditation  of 
our  heart  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  0  Lord, 
our  strength  and  our  Eedeemer.     Amen. 

AN  INYOCATION. 

[From  the  Pulpit  Manual  for  the  use  of  St.  Peter's  Pres- 
byterian Church  (Old  School),  Rochester,  New  York.  By 
permission.  ] 

Almighty  and  everlasting  Grod,  who  art  ev- 
ery where  present,  this  day  in  thy  courts  we 
would  worship  and  adore  thee.  Thou,  even 
thou,  art  Lord  alone.  Thou  hast  made  heaven, 
the  heaven  of  heavens,  with  all  their  host ;  the 
earth,  and  all  things  that  are  therein ;  the  seas, 
and  all  that  is  therein ;  and  thou  preservest 
them  all :  the  host  of  heaven  worshipeth  thee. 
On  this  hallowed  morning,  which  commemo- 
rates the  resurrection  of  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Saviour,  we  humbly  approach  thee  in  his 


172      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
Prayer  before  sermon. 

name,  and  with  angels,  and  archangels,  and  the 
whole  company  of  heaven,  praise  and  magnify 
thy  perfections.  Eeceive  us  graciously.  De- 
spise us  not,  though  unworthy.  Ilelp  us  by 
thy  Spirit,  and  sanctify  us  for  the  services  of 
thy  house,  that  we  may  be  accepted  in  our 
prayers  and  praises,  and  find  that  a  day  in  thy 
courts  is  better  than  a  thousand  elsewhere,  and 
that  it  is  good  for  us  to  draw  near  to  God, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  our  great  High-priest  and 
only  Mediator.     Amen. 

A  PRAYER  BEFORE  SERMOK 

O  God  most  gracious,  all  thy  works  praise 
thee.  The  heavens  declare  thy  glory,  and  the 
firmament  manifests  thy  power  and  skill.  All 
the  great  agencies  of  nature  are  but  the  work- 
ings of  thy  omnipotence.  Stormy  wind  and 
tempest,  fire  and  hail,  fulfill  thy  word.  Nor  do 
those  gentler  influences  of  dew  and  sunshine 
less  clearly  indicate  thy  presence.  Thy  saints 
and  angels,  and  all  the  blessed  court  of  heaven, 
show  forth  thy  glory  in  a  voluntary  worship. 
Grant  us  thy  gracious  assistance,  0  Lord,  that 
we  may  with  thankful  hearts  join  in  these  uni- 
versal acknowledgments  of  thy  goodness. 

We  know  that  we  are  most  unworthy  to 


SERVICES.  173 


Prayer  before  sermon. 


come  into  thy  presence.    We  are  miserable  sin- 
ners.   But  we  come  in  tlie  name  of  Jesus  Christ, 
thy  well -beloved  Son,  our  Saviour.     For  his 
sake  we  implore  thy  forgiving  grace.     In  his 
name  we  ask  the  assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit. 
Grant  us  a  just  sense  of  our  obligations  to 
thee.   Thou  hast  multiplied  thy  mercies.    Thou 
hast  covered  our  valleys  with  corn,  and  given 
us  the  cattle  upon  a  thousand  hills.    Thou  hast 
smiled  upon  our  commerce,  and  filled  our  land 
with  various  abundance.     Thou  hast  saved  us 
from  desolating  war,  and  held  in  check  the  rav- 
ages of  the  pestilence.     Thou  hast  preserved 
the  lives  of  magistrates  and  of  men  that  are 
useful  in  those  professions  which  possess  great 
power  to  bless  a  community.    The  teachers  of 
our  youth  and  the  ministers  of  religion  have 
been  permitted  to  pursue  their  holy  calling 
without  interruption.    Our  sanctuaries  are  pre- 
served to  us.     Our  dwellings  have  not  been 
consumed. 

Thy  blessed  Gospel  has  been  given  us  as  our 
peculiar  inheritance.  Thou  hast  not  dealt  so 
with  any  other  people. 

May  we  exercise  a  gratitude  that  shall  bear 
some  just  proportion  to  thy  rich  and  multiplied 
gifts.    May  we  evince  our  thankfulness  by  our 


IT-i      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 


Prayer  before  sermon. 


lives,  imitating,  in  some  humble  manner,  thy 
beneficence  by  doing  good.  Let  thy  blessing 
rest  upon  our  rulers.  Give  grace  to  thy  serv- 
ant, the  President  of  these  United  States.  Sur- 
round him  with  good  counselors,  and  help  him 
to  discharge  all  the  duties  of  his  high  office 
faithfully  and  in  the  fear  of  God.  Assist,  in 
like  manner,  all  that  are  in  authority.  Make 
our  officers  peace  and  our  exactors  righteous- 
ness. Command  thy  blessing  u^Don  all  the  fam- 
ilies and  individuals  of  this  congregation,  and 
suit  thy  mercies  to  their  respective  wants.  Con- 
sole such  as  are  bereaved  and  all  who  are  suf- 
fering affliction.  Heal  the  sick,  comfort  the 
feeble-minded,  and  cause  any  who  may  have 
wandered  from  thee  to  return  to  the  Shepherd 
and  Bishop  of  their  souls.  Grant  thy  blessing 
especially  upon  the  children  and  youth.  Give 
to  their  parents  and  teachers  wisdom  to  instruct 
them  in  the  knowledge  of  thy  Word,  and  to 
guide  them  into  the  paths  of  piety  and  peace. 
Eaise  up  from  among  them  faithful  laborers  to 
be  sent  forth  into  thy  harvest. 

Assist  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  the  duties  of 
thy  house  to-day.  May  thy  Word  be  dispensed 
faithfully  and  appropriately.  Let  the  influence 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit  accompany  it,  and  impress  it 


SERVICES.  175 


Prayer  before  sermon. 


upon  every  soul.  Bless  all  the  assemblies  of 
thy  worshipers  of  every  name,  and  clothe  all 
thy  ministers  with  salvation,  that  thy  people 
may  rejoice  in  goodness.  We  are  unworthy 
of  these  great  mercies ;  but,  emboldened  by  thy 
promises,  we  ask  them  in  the  name  of  our  mer- 
ciful Eedeemer,  whose  blessed  lips  have  taught 
us  to  say, 
Our  Father,  etc.  :  ^  . 

A  PEAYER  BEFORE  SERMON. 

Almighty  God,  thou  art  the  blessed  and  only 
Potentate,  dwelling  in  light  inaccessible,  whom 
no  man  hath  seen  or  can  see.  Thou  hast  clothed 
thyself  with  light  as  with  a  garment ;  thy  right- 
eousness reacheth  unto  the  clouds,  and  thy  glo- 
ry fills  the  heavenly  Jerusalem.  Its  blessed 
inhabitants  have  no  need  of  the  sun  or  the 
moon  to  give  them  light,  for  the  Lord  God  and 
the  Lamb  are  the  light  thereof  Yet,  while  they 
can  not  look  upon  thee  by  reason  of  the  bright- 
ness of  thy  perfections,  with  veiled  faces  they 
worship  thee. 

Help  us,  O  God,  to  join  with  them  in  their 
adorations,  to  unite  in  their  praises.  Grant  us 
the  illuminations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  we 


176    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Prayer  before  sermon. 

may  render  thee  acceptable  service  through  Je- 
sus Christ. 

"We  confess  to  thee,  0  God,  that  we  are  mis- 
erable sinners.  We  have  done  those  things 
which  we  ought  not  to  have  done,  and  we  have 
left  undone  our  most  obvious  duties.  Forgive, 
we  beseech  thee,  all  those  offenses  which  ren- 
der us  so  unworthy  of  thy  favor,  and  grant  us 
the  assistance  of  thy  grace  that  we  may  do  thy 
will. 

Prepare  our  minds  for  a  profitable  contem- 
plation of  thy  holy  Word.  Let  its  pure  in- 
structions exercise  their  appropriate  influence 
over  us.  Enable  thy  servant  to  dispense  the 
Gospel  simply  and  faithfully,  and  let  every  soul 
in  thy  presence  be  duly  affected  by  it.  Grant 
thy  grace  to  every  Christian  congregation  as- 
sembled to  worship  thee  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 
Let  thy  holy  presence  be  manifested  every 
where  in  thy  sanctuary,  and  thy  Word  be  at- 
tended by  the  Iloly  Ghost  sent  down  from  heav- 
en. Supply  the  wants  of  the  indigent  and  the 
needy.  Yisit  the  poor  prisoner  with  thy  grace. 
Be  thou  the  judge  of  the  widow,  and  the  father 
of  the  fatherless.  Break  thou  the  arm  of  the 
oppressor,  and  let  the  oppressed  go  free.  Grant 
that  the  Holy  Scriptures  may  be  universally 


SERVICES.  177 


Prayer  after  sermon. 


diffused.  Cause  the  angel,  having  the  everlast- 
ing Gospel  to  preach,  to  fly  through  the  midst 
of  heaven. 

We  implore  thy  protection  and  blessing  in 
behalf  of  the  absent  members  of  this  church 
and  congregation.  Preserve  them  from  sick- 
ness and  death,  and  every  calamity.  Save  them 
especially  from  temptation. 

We  would  remember  before  thee  our  rulers 
— the  chief  magistrate  of  this  great  nation,  and 
our  state  and  city  authorities.  God  grant  them 
grace  and  wisdom  to  do  his  will,  and  fill  this 
land  with  peace,  and  purity,  and  godliness,  as 
thou  hast  filled  it  with  plenty.  Aid  us  in  all 
the  duties  of  this  holy  day,  and  grant  that  we 
may  be  prepared,  by  worshiping  thee  in  the 
sanctuary,  to  render  to  thee  acceptable  service 
both  in  our  private  devotions  and  in  our  secu- 
lar vocations.  Help  us  to  consecrate  ourselves 
wholly  to  thee  through  Jesus  CJ;irist,  while  we 
say,  as  he  has  taught  us  to  pray, 

"Our  Father,"  etc. 

A  PRAYER  AFTER  SERMOK  ON 
IDOLATRY. 

Merciful  Father,  we  thank  thee  for  thy  holy 
Word.     Thou  hast  been  pleased  to  inform  us 

-  M 


178    THE  pkesbyterian's  hand-book. 


Prayer  after  sermon. 


that  an  idol  is  nothing  in  the  world,  and  that 
there  is  none  other  God  but  one.  Thou  hast 
placed  before  us  thyself  in  thy  supremacy  as 
demanding  the  undivided  homage  of  our  souls, 
and  hast  exhibited  thy  glorious  attributes  to 
awaken  our  reverence  and  attract  our  love. 
Yet,  while  thou  hast  by  thy  Gospel  saved  us 
from  being  debased  by  dumb  and  senseless  im.- 
ages,  we  have  been  guilty  of  spiritual  idolatry ; 
we  have  loved  and  served  the  creature  more 
than  the  Creator,  who  is  blessed  forever.  We 
have  ofttimes  served  mammon  in  preference 
to  the  only  living  and  true  God.  We  have 
been  guilty  of  that  covetousness  which  is  idol- 
atry. We  desire  humbly  to  repent  of  all  those 
sins  by  which  we  have  departed  from  thee  and 
given  thy  glory  to  another.  We  beg  of  thee 
to  arise  in  thy  might  and  in  thy  majesty,  and  to 
cause  the  heathen  to  cast  their  gods  of  wood 
and  stone  to  tke  moles  and  bats.  Displace  by 
thy  spiritual  presence  the  images  that  have  dis- 
honored thee  in  Christian  temples.  But  espe- 
cially do  we  implore  of  thee  to  apply  thy  Word, 
at  this  time,  to  those  among  us  who  are  living 
in  sin.  Make  them  to  see  that  they  can  not 
serve  God  and  mammon,  and  that  if  any  man 
love  the  world  the  love  of  the  Father  is  not  in 


SERVICES.  179 


Prayer  for  a  day  of  fasting. 


him.  Save  unconverted  sinners  from  that  guilt 
which,  if  persisted  in,  must  leave  them  to  have 
their  portion  with  hypocrites,  and  unbelievers, 
and  idolaters,  and  whatsoever  loveth  and  mak- 
eth  a  lie.  Deny  us  not  this  petition,  but  come 
to  us  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  save  perishing 
souls  from  going  down  to  eternal  death.  Then 
shall  their  ransomed  spirits  praise  thee ;  and 
thy  people  on  earth,  and  saints  and  angels  in 
heaven,  shall  unite  with  us  in  giving  all  the  glo- 
ry to  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen. 

A  PKAYEE  FOE  A  DAY  OF  FASTING. 

O  God,  thou  art  a  Spirit,  infinite,  eternal,  and 
unchangeable  in  all  thine  attributes.  Thou  re- 
quirest  thy  worshipers  to  worship  thee  in  spirit 
and  in  truth ;  and  we,  thy  sinful  and  unworthy 
creatures,  lamenting  our  hardness  of  heart  and 
the  blindness  of  our  minds,  implore  the  special 
presence  and  assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that 
our  attempts  to  serve  thee  may  be  accepted 
through  thy  grace. 

Thy  glory,  0  Lord,  is  boundless,  and  saints 
and  angels  around  thy  throne  adore  thee.  Yet 
we,  whose  blessings  have  been  so  abundant,  and 
whose  privileges  are  so  distinguished — whose 


180    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Prayer  for  a  day  of  fasting. 


eyes  continually  behold  the  tokens  of  thy  pow- 
er and  goodness,  and  whose  bodies  and  souls 
are  nourished  by  thy  mercies — are  most  insen- 
sible to  the  displays  of  thy  character.  We 
have  shown  a  sinful  obduracy  under  all  thy 
compassions,  and  have  scarcely  trembled  at  thy 
frown. 

Grant  unto  us,  we  beseech  thee,  a  due  sense 
of  our  manifold  transgressions ;  that,  reflecting 
on  thy  love,  and  meditating  on  the  impiety  of 
our  lives,  we  may  cordially  bewail  our  sins  and 
seek  thy  forgiveness. 

"We  confess  that  by  our  rebellions  we  have 
obstructed  the  progress  of  thy  Word,  and  hin- 
dered the  ungodly  from  turning  unto  thee. 
Zion  is  desolate,  her  fruitful  fields  are  as  a  wil- 
derness, and  her  walls  have  been  broken  down. 
We  have  robbed  thee  of  the  offerings  due  to 
thy  name,  and  thou  hast  justly  withheld  thy 
grace.  Greatly  deploring  our  guilt,  we  come 
to  thee  with  broken  hearts.  We  know  that 
there  is  forgiveness  with  thee  that  thou  mayst 
be  feared.  Through  the  merits  of  thy  dear 
Son,  our  blessed  Saviour,  we  believe  that  we 
have  access  to  thy  presence,  and  that  thou  wilt 
hear  us.  We  entreat  thee  to  take  away  our  re- 
proach from  us.     Wherefore  should  the  hea- 


SEEVICES.  181 


Prayer  for  a  day  of  fasting. 


then  say,  Where  is  their  God  ?  Eemember  not 
against  us  former  iniquities ;  cast  us  not  away 
from  thy  presence ;  and  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit 
from  us.  Let  our  eyes  be  opened  to  behold 
wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law ;  and  may  our 
hearts,  that  have  tasted  the  bitterness  of  trans- 
gression, and  deplored  thine  absence,  be  cheer- 
ed with  the  light  of  thy  returning  presence,  and 
refreshed  with  sweet  draughts  of  thy  love. 
Dispose  every  mind  to  faithful  self-examina- 
tion. Let  thy  whole  Church  be  deeply  abased 
before  thee,  and  may  united  supplications  as- 
cend for  the  bestowment  of  thy  favor.  Help 
us  to  be  more  faithful  in  secret  devotion.  Give 
us  greater  wisdom,  and  fidelity  and  patience  in 
the  training  of  our  families.  May  we  show  in- 
creasing delight  in  the  services  of  thy  sanctuary 
and  the  communion  of  saints.  Forbid  that  we 
should  forsake  the  assembling  of  ourselves  to- 
gether, as  the  manner  of  some  is.  Help  us  to 
be  more  self-denying  in  thy  work,  and,  like  our 
divine  Master,  may  we  go  about  doing  good. 
Let  the  incentives  of  thy  holy  religion  exercise 
greater  power  over  our  hearts ;  and  henceforth, 
remembering  the  precious  blood  with  which  we 
have  been  redeemed,  may  we  constantly  en- 
deavor to  walk  worthv  of  our  vocation.    Tarn 


182    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Prayer  for  a  day  of  fasting. 


US  again,  O  Lord  God  of  hosts ;  cause  thy  face 
to  sliine,  and  we  shall  be  saved.  Assist  us  to 
bring  our  offerings  to  thee  with  willing  hearts, 
and  let  thy  blessings  be  poured  forth  until  there 
be  no  room  to  receive  them.  Eevive  thy  work 
among  all  thy  churches,  and  in  every  part  of 
our  world  where  the  Gospel  is  known.  Send 
the  tidings  of  redemption  speedily  to  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth,  and  hasten  the  time  when 
thy  blessed  Son  shall  wield  a  universal  sceptre. 
Thus,  O  Lord,  do  we  entreat  thy  forgiveness 
and  thy  favor,  not  for  our  sakes,  who  have 
abused  thy  forbearance,  but  for  his  sake  whom 
we  acknowledge  as  our  Saviour  and  King,  and 
to  whom,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spir- 
it, we  ascribe  glory  and  dominion  evermore. 
Amen. 


SERVICES.  18 


o 


Sacraments.  Baptism. 


CHAPTER  11. 

THE    SACRAMENTS. 

According  to  tlie  teachings  of  our  stand- 
ards, "  sacraments  are  holy  signs  and  seals  of 
the  covenant  of  grace,  immediately  instituted 
by  God,  to  represent  Christ  and  his  benefits, 
and  to  confirm  our  interest  in  him ;  as  also  to 
put  a  visible  difference  between  those  that  be- 
long to  the  Church  and  the  rest  of  the  world, 
and  solemnly  to  engage  them  to  the  service  of 
God  in  Christ,  according  to  his  Word."* 

"  The  sacraments  of  the  New  Testament  are 
Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper."f 

I.  BAPTISM. 

"Baptism  is  not  to  be  administered  to  any 
that  are  out  of  the  visible  Church,  and  so  stran- 
gers from  the  covenant  of  promise,  till  they  pro- 
fess their  faith  in  Christ,  and  obedience  to  him ; 
but  infants  descending  from  parents,  either  both 

*  Confession  of  Faith,  chap,  xxvii.,  sec.  1. 
t  Shorter  Catechism,  93. 


184    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Baptism,  when  administered. 

or  but  one  of  them,  professing  faith  in  Christ 
and  obedience  to  him,  are,  in  that  respect,  with- 
in the  covenant,  and  are  to  be  baptized."* 

This  sacrament  is  administered  to  adults  not 
baptized  in  their  infancy,  on  the  occasion  of 
publicly  professing  their  faith  in  Christ. 

It  is  proper  that  a  stated  time  be  observed 
for  the  administration  of  baptism  to  infants. 
The  morning  of  the  Sunday  next  succeeding 
the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  Supper  is  recom- 
mended as  a  suitable  occasion.  There  may 
arise  a  necessity  for  its  administration  at  other 
times,  which  may  be  provided  for  as  circum- 
stances shall  require.  Members  of  the  Church 
ought  to  present  their  children  for  baptism 
without  unnecessary  delay.  The  pastor  is  to 
be  furnished  at  the  time  with  a  written  state- 
ment of  the  names  of  both  the  parents,  the 
name  of  the  child,  and  the  date  of  its  birth. 

The  baptism  should  be  preceded  by  an  ad- 
dress to  the  parents  on  the  solemn  import  of 
the  transaction.  The  following  has  been  pre- 
pared to  answer  this  purpose,  or  at  least  to  fur- 
nish suggestions  to  ministers  for  suitably  con- 
ducting this  service. 

*  Larger  Catechism,  166. 


SERVICES.  185 


Baptismal  service.  Infants. 

ADDRESS  AT   THE   BAPTISM   OF   INFANTS. 

Beloved  Friends, — In  presenting  your  off- 
spring for  baptism,  you  profess  to  be  in  cove- 
nant with  God. 

In  that  covenant  you  liave  given  up  every 
thing  you  call  your  own,  to  be  used  for  his  glo- 
ry, in  the  manner  which  best  accords  with  its 
nature.  Those  possessions  that  are  destitute  of 
moral  agency  are  devoted  to  God  as  were  the 
vessels  of  the  sanctuary;  while  those  which 
are  capable  of  a  voluntary  service,  as  your 
selves  and  your  children,  you  have  consecrated 
to  a  life  of  obedience  to  the  divine  command- 
ments. 

This  consecration  in  your  own  case  has  been 
expressed  by  baptism.  You  now  seek  the  same 
sacred  ordinance  for  your  children;  not  as  a 
means  of  purification,  but  as  avowing  your  faith, 
in  setting  them  solemnly  apart  for  the  service 
of  Christ. 

Like  circumcision  in  the  Jewish  Church,  bap- 
tism is  the  initiatory  sacrament  of  the  Christian 
Church,  and,  equally  with  the  former  rite,  is 
to  be  extended  to  the  offspring  of  believers. 
Hence  Peter  declared  "  the  promise  is  unto  you 
and  to  your  children."     When  Lydia  had  re- 


186    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Baptismal  service.  Infants. 

ceived  the  Gospel,  "she  was  baptized  and  her 
household,"  on  the  ground  of  her  individual 
faith,  saying, "  If  ye  have  judged  me  to  be  faith- 
ful to  the  Lord,  come  into  my  house  and  abide 
there."  The  jailer  at  Philippi,  when  he  be- 
lieved, "  was  baptized,  he  and  all  his,  straight- 
way ;"  and  Paul  informs  us  that  he  baptized 
the  household  of  Stephanas.  We  know  also 
that  our  divine  Lord,  when  he  was  upon  earth, 
took  little  children  in  his  arms  and  blessed 
them.  We  can  not  suppose  that  he  regards  the 
lambs  of  the  flock  with  less  interest  now.  The 
Scriptures  moreover  teach  that  if  but  one  of 
the  parents  is  a  believer,  their  children  are  not 
unclean,  but  holy ;  that  is,  they  are  ceremonial- 
ly consecrated  to  God. 

In  view,  then,  of  your  privileges,  and  the  re- 
lation which  your  offspring  sustain  toward 
Christ  and  his  Church,  you  bring  them  to  re- 
ceive the  seal  of  the  righteousness  of  faith,  and 
confess  their  need  of  inward  cleansing  by  the 
Holy  Spirit.  You  bind  yourselves,  in  a  solemn 
vow,  to  teach  them  the  doctrines  and  precepts 
of  our  holy  religion,  as  contained  in  the  Scrip- 
tures of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  an  ex- 
cellent summary  of  which  may  be  found  in  the 
Confession   of  Faith   and  Catechisms  of  our 


SERVICES.  187 


Lord's  Supper. 


Churcli.  You  engage  to  restrain  tliem  from 
sin,  and  to  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord. 

In  order  to  accomplish  these  ends,  you  must 
carefully  maintain  a  consistent  piety.  *We  ex- 
hort you  to  attach  great  importance  to  a  godly 
example ;  to  pray  with  your  children  and  teach 
them  to  pray ;  and  to  entreat  for  them,  not  only 
now,  but  also  daily,  that  what  is  emblematically 
represented  by  baptism  with  water  may  be  ac- 
complished in  the  sanctification  of  their  natures 
by  the  washing  of  regeneration  and  renewing 
of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Humbly  relying  on  divine  assistance,  do  you 
solemnly  promise  thus  to  train  your  children 
for  the  service  of  God  and  for  heaven  ? 

[Prayer  should  be  offered  at  the  close  of  the  address,  and 
again  immediately  after  the  administration  of  the  baptism.] 

II.  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

There  is  no  part  of  the  public  worship  of 
God  that  derives  greater  advantage  from  a 
proper  attention  to  harmonious  arrangement, 
and  a  due  simplicity  and  solemnity,  than  the 
celebration  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  Its  influence 
is  often  impaired  by  a  want  of  conciseness  and 
relevancy  in  remarks,  by  engaging  too  many 


188    THE  Presbyterian's  haxd-book. 


Lord's  Supper.  Order  of  the  eervice. 

ministers  to  officiate  on  the  same  occasion,  and 
by  omitting  to  secure  such  system  in  the  ad- 
ministration as  will  obviate  any  painful  mis- 
takes. On  the  other  hand,  a  brevity  and  haste 
may  be  used  that  shall  be  scarcely  less  objec- 
tionable. Pastors  should  aim  at  plainness,  ten- 
derness, and  impressiveness ;  and  the  elders 
who  serve  on  the  occasion  ought  to  render 
themselves  familiar  with  their  duties,  and  thus 
assist  in  securing  the  solemnity  of  the  service. 

ORDER  OF  SERVICE  AT  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

1.  Invocation. 

2.  Singing. 

3.  Beading  of  the  Scriptures. 

4.  Prayer. 

5.  Eeception  of  new  members. 

6.  Invitation  to  all  evangelical  Christians,  in 
good  standing  in  their  respective  communions, 
to  join  in  the  celebration. 

[For  this  purpose  they  should  be  requested  to  take  their 
seats  with  the  communicants;  and,  while  the  opportunity  is 
given  for  a  compliance  with  the  invitation,  it  is  proper  for 
tlie  minister  to  descend  from  the  pulpit  and  take  his  place 
at  the  table.] 

7.  Singing. 

[It  is  appropriate  to  use,  here,  Hymn  473,  Church  Psalmist : 
"'Twas  on  that  darkand  doleful  night." 


SERVICES.  189 


Lord's  Supper.  Order  of  the  service. 

The  cloth  may  be  removed  by  two  of  the  elders  at  the  sing- 
ing of  the  third  verse, 

"This  is  ray  body."] 

8.  Address. 

9.  Blessing  and  breaking  the  bread,  followed 
with  its  distribution  by  the  elders,  the  minister 
being  first  served  bj  one  of  them.  After  the 
elders  have  given  the  bread  to  the  communi- 
cants and  taken  their  seats,  it  is  proper  that 
they  should  be  served  by  the  minister. 

10.  Giving  thanks  and  dispensing  the  cup : 
the  same  order  to  be  observed  as  in  distribut- 
ing the  bread. 

11.  Exhortation. 

12.  Prayer  and  giving  of  thanks. 

13.  Collection  for  the  poor. 

[During  the  collection,  it  is  proper  for  the  minister,  if  he 
prefer  it,  to  resume  his  place  in  the  pulp  it.  J 

14.  Singing. 

15.  Benediction.  "ISTow  the  God  of  peace, 
that  brought  again  from  the  dead  our  Lord  Je- 
sus, that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  through 
the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make 
you  perfect  in  every  good  work  to  do  his  will, 
working  in  you  that  which  is  well  pleasing  in 
his  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom  be 
glory  forever  and  ever.     Amen." 


190       THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 


Lord's  Supper.  Introductory  prayer. 

PRAYER  AT  THE   COMMUNION. 

Almighty  God,  we  adore  thee  as  the  God  and 
Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  Au- 
thor of  eternal  salvation.  It  has  pleased  thee 
to  devise  a  scheme  of  grace,  showing  forth  in 
a  wonderful  manner  thy  wisdom  and  compas- 
sion ;  a  scheme  which  at  the  same  time  pre- 
serves the  sanctity  and  authority  of  thy  perfect 
government  and  saves  the  guilty.  Thou  hast 
given  up  thy  only-begotten  Son,  to  come  into 
our  sin-stricken  world,  to  take  upon  him  our 
nature,  and  to  die  in  our  stead.  The  chastise- 
ment of  our  peace  was  upon  him,  and  with  his 
stripes  we  are  healed. 

Help  us,  we  beseech  thee,  to  look  up  to  this 
dying  Lamb  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the 
world,  and  give  us  grace  to  consecrate  ourselves 
to  him  who  has  bought  us  with  his  own  blood. 

We  pray  for  thy  blessing  upon  those  who 
have  come  hither  to-day  to  confess  Christ  their 
Saviour  before  the  world.  Enable  them  to 
make  a  complete  surrender  of  all  that  they  pos- 
sess to  him  who  has  done  so  much  for  them. 
May  they  bring,  in  the  exercise  of  a  true  faith, 
their  property,  their  influence,  their  acquire- 
ments of  every  sort,  and  every  valuable  per- 


SERVICES.  191 


Lord' 8  Supper.  Introductory  prayer. 

sonal  quality  with  whicli  thou  hast  been  pleased 
to  endow  them,  and  lay  them  down  at  the  feet 
of  their  Master. 

Be  gracious  to  any  that  may  have  wandered 
from  thee,  and  heal  their  backsliding.  Make 
their  approach  to  the  table  of  the  Lord  a  means 
of  touching  their  hearts,  and  causing  the  tears 
of  penitence  to  flow  afresh ;  and,  thus  bringing 
them  back  to  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  their 
souls,  lift  upon  them  the  light  of  thy  counte- 
nance, and  restore  to  them  the  joys  of  thy  sal- 
vation. Eaise  up  and  cheer  such  as  may  be 
sinking  in  despondency,  and  make  this  occa- 
sion the  means  of  reinvigorating  their  faith  and 
hope,  that  they  may  mount  up  on  wings  as 
eagles,  that  they  may  run  and  not  be  weary, 
that  they  may  walk  and  not  faint.  If  there  be 
any  strangers  among  us  that  love  our  Lord  and 
his  precious  cause,  may  they  come  with  glad 
hearts  and  unite  with  us  in  celebrating  the  love 
of  Jesus  at  his  table.  May  this  be  to  all  of  us 
a  season  of  hallowed  and  happy  communion. 
May  we  silently  renew  our  covenant  vows  with 
God  and  with  one  another,  and  experience  such 
spiritual  refreshment  and  comfort  as  shall  ani- 
mate us  to  a  new  zeal  in  thy  service.  0  Lord, 
be  graciously  present  with  us.     Give  us  peace 


192      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 


Prayer.  Blessing  the  bread. 

in  believing,  and  let  not  one  soul  go  unblest 
away.  Let  tliy  Holy  Spirit  fill  the  place,  so 
that  this  feast  may  be  to  us  a  foretaste  of  that 
communion  which  we  hope  to  enjoy  in  the 
presence  of  our  glorified  Eedeemer. 

We  confess,  O  Lord,  that  we  are  utterly  un- 
worthy of  these  mercies,  but  we  ask  them  in 
the  name  of  that  Saviour  who  purchased  them 
for  us,  and  to  him,  with  the  Father  and  the 
Holy  Spirit,  we  will  give  all  the  praise  forever. 
Amen. 

PRAYER  AT  THE  TABLE  BEFORE  ADMINISTER- 
ING THE  BREAD. 

Our  Father  in  heaven,  assembled  at  thy  board 
we  seek  thy  presence.  Though  sinful  and  lost 
in  ourselves,  we  are  emboldened  to  approach 
thee  in  the  name  of  Jesus — that  name  that  is 
above  every  name.  In  him  we  are  justified. 
We  are  accepted  in  the  Beloved.  By  his  pre- 
cious blood  our  sins  are  all  washed  away,  and 
we  are  clothed  with  his  righteousness  and 
adopted  into  thy  family.  We  come  to  wait 
upon  thee  in  humble  acknowledgment  of  our 
unworthiness  of  such  mercies,  and  to  seek  that 
these  mercies  may  be  sealed  and  secured  to  us 
in  this  holy  ordinance. 


SERVICES.  193 


Prayer.  Blessing  the  bread. 

Who  are  we,  O  Lord,  that  we  should  be  per- 
mitted to  occupy  a  place  with  thy  children? 
We  were  estranged  from  thee ;  we  were  uncir- 
cumcised  in  heart  and  ears ;  but  now,  through 
thy  sovereign  grace,  we  are  brought  near  to  thy 
mercy-seat,  and  are  permitted  to  call  thee  our 
Father.  Thou  hast  spread  before  us  these  em- 
blems of  the  body  and  blood  of  our  crucified 
Eedeemer.  Help  us  to  receive  them  as  the  to- 
kens of  thy  love.  May  we  take  this  bread  into 
our  hands,  and  so  appropriate  it  that  our  feed- 
ing upon  it  shall  be  a  true  symbol  of  our  faith 
feeding  upon  the  sacrifice  which  thou  hast  pre- 
pared for  us.  Thus  may  his  flesh  be  meat  in- 
deed, and  his  blood  be  drink  indeed.  Impart 
to  us,  we  beseech  thee,  some  fresh  tokens  of  thy 
gracious  presence.  Touch  our  hearts  with  such 
a  sense  of  thy  goodness  as  shall  lead  us  to  re- 
pentance ;  quicken  our  faith,  and  enkindle  in 
our  bosoms  the  flame  of  never-d^ang  love,  that 
so  the  incense  of  perpetual  thanksgiving  and 
praise  may  ascend  to  thee  from  our  souls.  May 
we  exercise  a  true  charity  toward  all  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Church  and  toward  thy  Church 
universal ;  knowing  that,  unless  we  forgive, 
when  we  bring  our  offerings  to  thy  altar,  nei- 
ther will  our  heavenly  Father  forgive  us.     Oh 


194    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Prayer.  Blessing  the  cup. 

come  to  US  now  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we 
may  sit  together  here  as  in  heavenly  places  in 
Christ.  May  we,  by  faith,  behold  Jesus  presid- 
ing at  his  table,  and  from  surveying  his  pierced 
hands  and  wounded  side,  verify  his  declaration 
that  they  are  especially  blessed  who  have  not 
seen  and  yet  have  believed.  May  every  soul 
be  quickened  to  a  new  life.  Let  them  that  are 
weak  receive  strength ;  let  the  doubting  be  con- 
firmed ;  let  the  desponding  be  encouraged,  and 
all  be  so  refreshed  and  comforted  that  this  feast 
shall  be  a  foretaste  of  that  union  and  joy  which 
shall  be  exjDcrienced  by  all  thy  ransomed  peo- 
ple when  they  shall  be  gathered  together  in 
the  general  assembly  and  Church  of  the  first- 
born whose  names  are  written  in  heaven.  We 
ask  these  mercies  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ,  our  great  Mediator,  to  whom,  with 
the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  shall  be  all  the 
glory  forever.     Amen. 

THANKS  BEFORE  ADMINISTERING  THE   CUP. 

Most  merciful  and  gracious  God,  we  thank 
thee  for  spreading  this  table  for  us — for  this 
bread  and  this  cup  to  show  forth  our  Lord's 
death  till  he  come.  We  thank  thee  more  es- 
pecially for  those  wonderful  provisions  for  our 


SERVICES.  195 


Thanks  before  the  cup. 


souls  SO  significantly  set  forth  by  these  sacred 
symbols.  We  praise  thee  for  thy  great  mercy 
in  purchasing  our  redemption  by  the  blood  of 
Jesus ;  for  all  that  he  did  and  suffered  on  our 
behalf,  and  for  his  unspeakable  tenderness  and 
love  in  instituting  this  feast  and  bidding  us  to 
celebrate  it  in  remembrance  of  him. 

We  thank  thee  for  that  holy  providence 
which  has  given  us  thy  Gospel  and  all  the 
means  of  grace  that  we  have  enjoyed ;  but 
more  especially  do  we  thank  thee  for  the  inter- 
position of  thy  Spirit  in  convincing  us  of  sin 
and  in  leading  us  to  Christ.  We  thank  thee 
for  preserving  our  lives  and  bringing  us  to- 
gether at  this  time,  and  permitting  us  to  renew 
again  our  covenant  vows  with  thee  and  with 
one  another. 

May  we  receive  this  cup  as  the  emblem  of 
the  blood  shed  for  us.  May  it  minister  to  the 
strengthening  of  our  faith,  and  fill  our  souls 
with  joyful  hope.  Grant  to  every  one  in  thy 
presence  a  special  blessing,  that  we  may  go 
forth  from  this  feast  to  manifest  our  grateful 
love  in  a  life  of  obedience  to  thy  command- 
ments, and  in  humbly  bearing  our  cross  as  the 
disciples  and  followers  of  Jesus.  And  enable 
us  thus  to  live,  honoring  our  blessed  Lord,  till 


196      THE   PRESBYTERIAI^^'S   HAND-BOOK. 


Removals  of  memjjers.  Admission  to  sealing  ordinances. 

it  shall  be  his  pleasure  to  take  us  to  those  man- 
sions which  he  has  gone  to  prepare  for  them 
that  love  him.  We  offer  these  thanks  and  sup- 
plicate these  mercies  for  his  sake  alone.    Amen. 

ADMISSION  OF  MEMBERS  TO  THE  CHURCH. 

A  member  removing  from  one  congregation 
to  another  is  received  into  the  communion  of 
the  Church  to  which  he  comes  on  presenting  a 
satisfactory  letter  of  dismission  and  recommend- 
ation from  the  Church  he  has  left.  By  a  pro- 
vision of  our  Book  of  Discipline,  however,  chap- 
ter xi.,  section  2,  a  certificate  is  not  valid  if 
more  than  one  year  old,  unless  there  has  been 
no  opportunity  of  presenting  it  to  any  Church 
at  an  earlier  date.  Members  are  also  received 
from  other  evangelical  denominations  on  simi- 
lar conditions. 

With  regard  to  the  admission  of  other  per- 
sons to  sealing  ordinances,  our  Directory  of 
Worship,  chapter  ix.,  clearly  distinguishes  be- 
tween those  "  born  within  the  pale  of  the  visi- 
ble Church,  and  dedicated  to  God  in  baptism," 
and  unbaptized  persons.  In  the  case  of  the 
latter,  it  is  prescribed  that  "  they  shall,  in  ordi- 
nary cases,  after  giving  satisfaction  with  respect 
to  their  knowledge  and  piety,  make  a  public 


SERVICES.  197 


Profession  of  faith.  Public  reception. 

profession  of  their  faith,  in  the  presence  of  the 
congregation,  and  thereupon  be  baptized."  No 
form  is  furnished  in  which  this  profession  shall 
be  made,  but  most  of  our  churches  have  adopt- 
ed some  method  of  conducting  this  service  with 
solemnity  and  for  edification.  In  many  cases, 
if  not  generally,  however,  no  sufQ.cient  distinc- 
tion seems  to  be  made  between  baptized  and 
unbaptized  persons.  We  ought  to  lose  no  op- 
portunity of  showing  the  great  importance  we 
attach  to  the  baptismal  covenant,  and  of  recog- 
nizing its  practical  effects. 

We  can  not  hope  to  suggest  any  form  for  the 
reception  of  Church  members  which  will  be 
equally  satisfactory  to  all.  It  would,  however, 
be  hardly  consistent  with  the  object  of  this 
hand-book  to  omit  such  a  form  from  its  pages. 
That  which  follows,  therefore,  may  be  of  use  to 
newly-organized  churches,  and  may  furnish  as- 
sistance to  those  pastors  who  propose  to  revise 
formulas  already  in  use. 

[The  formulas  employed  in  the  public  reception  of  mem- 
bers to  our  churches  are  various,  and  bear  probable  marks 
of  having  been  derived  from  a  single  original.  The  basis 
of  the  following  is  in  substance  the  form  used  in  one  of  our 
city  churches.  We  have  freely  altered  it  to  adapt  it  to  the 
principles  already  explained.] 


198     THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Form  of  reception  to  the  Church. 

A  FORM  TO  BE  USED  IN  PUBLICLY  RECEIVING 
NEW  MEMBERS  TO  THE  CHURCH. 

[At  the  time  indicated  in  the  order  of  service  for  the  Lord's 
Supper,  the  minister  requests  those  unbaptized  persons  whom 
the  Session  has  admitted  to  membership  to  stand  before  the 
pulpit,  and  addresses  them  as  follows :] 

ADDRESS. 

You  appear  in  this  public  manner  before 
God,  to  dedicate  yourselves  to  his  service,  and 
to  unite  with  his  visible  people. 

We  trust  that  you  have  been  renewed  by  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  are  prepared  to  make  confes- 
sion of  your  faith,  and  to  enter  into  a  covenant, 
not  to  be  revoked,  to  receive  the  Father,  Son, 
and  Holy  Ghost  as  your  God,  and  to  walk  in 
all  the  commandments  of  the  Lord. 

Our  system  of  doctrine  is  set  forth  in  the 
Confession  of  Faith  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  to  a  brief  summary  of  which  you  will 
now  give  your  assent. 

You  believe  that  there  is  but  one  living  and 
true  God;  infinite,  eternal,  and  unchangeable 
in  his  being,  wisdom,  power,  holiness,  justice, 
goodness,  and  truth ;  the  Creator,  Preserver, 
and  Governor  of  all  things ;  existing  in  three 
persons,  the  Father,  the   Son,  and  the  Holy 


SERVICES.  199 


Profession  of  faith. 


Ghost ;  and  that  these  three  are  one  God,  the 
same  in  substance,  equal  in  power  and  glory. 

You  believe  that  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testaments  are  the  inspired  Word  of 
God,  and  the  only  infallible  rule  of  faith  and 
practice. 

You  believe  that  our  first  parents  were  cre- 
ated holy ;  that,  by  sinning  against  God,  they 
incurred  his  righteous  displeasure,  and  involved 
their  posterity  in  sin  and  death. 

You  believe  that  God  has,  in  infinite  mercy, 
provided  a  way  of  salvation,  through  the  medi- 
ation and  death  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ ;  and 
that  Christ  is  verily  God,  and  is  both  able  and 
willing  to  save  all  who  repent  and  believe  in 
him. 

You  believe  that,  in  order  to  participate  in 
the  benefits  of  Christ's  death,  it  is  necessary  to 
trust  in  him  alone  as  an  all-sufficient  Saviour, 
to  forsake  sin,  and  walk  in  the  ways  of  holiness 
to  the  end  of  life ;  but  that  mankind  are  natu- 
rally so  averse  to  holiness,  and  so  in  love  with  ,^A^*h>t 
sin^hat  none  ever  do  turn  and  live  unless  by  ^., 
the  special  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

You  believe  that  those  who  are  once  renew- 
ed by  grace  will  be  kept  by  the  power  of  God, 
through  faith,  unto  salvation. 


200     THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Form  of  reception.  Covenant. 

You  believe  that,  at  the  end  of  the  world, 
there  will  be  a  general  resurrection  of  the  dead, 
and  a  final  judgment,  when  the  wicked  shall 
go  away  into  everlasting  punishment,  and  the 
righteous  into  life  eternal. 

To  this  summary  of  Christian  doctrine  do 
■you  cordially  assent? 

[The  sacrament  of  baptism  is  here  administered.  After 
which  the  minister  calls  forward  those  persons  baptized  in 
infancy,  who  have  been  received  by  the  Session  into  full  com- 
munion. As  soon  as  they  have  taken  their  places  with  the 
others,  the  minister  addresses  all  as  follows :] 

In  virtue  of  your  baptism,  you  severally 
stand  in  solemn  covenant  relation  with  Al- 
mighty God.  It  is  fitting,  on  this  occasion  of 
assuming  all  the  privileges  and  responsibilities 
of  Christian  discipleship,  that  you  should  de- 
clare your  choice  and  purpose  in  this  sacred 
act,  and  enter  into  a  holy  engagement  with  God 
and  with  this  Church. 

Therefore,  in  the  presence  of  God,  of  angels, 
and  of  men,  you  now  solemnly  avouch  Jeho- 
vah— the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
— to  be  your  God. 

You  take  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testaments  to  be  the  rule  of  your  conduct  and 
of  your  faith. 


SERVICES.  201 


Covenant.  Exhortation. 

You  renounce  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the 
devil,  and  sincerely  embrace  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  as  the  object  of  your  supreme  love  and 
trust. 

You  profess  it  to  be  the  purpose  of  your 
heart  to  live  a  humble,  holy,  and  devout  life ; 
to  sanctify  the  Lord's  day ;  strictly  to  observe 
secret,  family,  and  public  worship ;  to  seek  the 
conversion  of  sinners  to  Christ ;  and  henceforth 
to  devote  yourselves  and  all  that  you  have, 
without  reserve,  to  the  service  of  your  Re- 
deemer. 

You  also  engage  to  submit  to  the  order  and 
discipline  of  this  Church ;  to  cherish  a  spirit  of 
meekness  and  love  ;  to  be  "patient  under  Chris- 
tian reproof;  to  be  watchful  over  your  own 
heart,  and  faithful  to  the  souls  of  your  brethren. 
(  Do  you'  thus  solemnly  covenant  with  God 
arid  his  people  ? 

Dearly  beloved,  the  vows  of  God  are  upon 
you.  You  have  laid  yourselves  under  peculiar 
obligations  to  be  devoted  to  his  service.  You 
have  renounced  the  world  and  its  vanities,  and 
received  Christ  as  your  portion.  Let  these  en- 
gagements be  the  subject  of  frequent  medita- 
tion and  prayer.  Henceforth  guard  every  av- 
enue to  temptation,  and  abstain  from  all  appear- 


202    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Form  of  reception.  By  letter, 

ance  of  evil.  Enter  with  jour  whole  heart 
upon  works  of  benevolence,  and  labor  to  turn 
many  to  righteousness.  Let  your  dependence 
be  on  God.  Pray  without  ceasing.  Careful- 
ly observe  stated  seasons  of  secret  devotion, 
and,  whatever  may  interpose,  neglect  not  your 
closet.  Be  not  content  with  ordinary  attain- 
ments in  piety,  but  grow  in  grace  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  Give  diligence  to  make  your  calling 
and  election  sure  ;  and  may  you  be  enabled  to 
keep  the  covenant  this  day  made,  through  the 
grace  of  him  who  hath  said,  "  Be  thou  faithful 
unto  death,  and  I  will  give  thee  a  crown  of 
life." 

[Members  received  by  letter  may  be  requested  now  to  rise 
in  their  places,  the  others  still  standing,  and  assent  to  the 
following  engagement :] 

Being  already  in  covenant  with  God  and  with 
his  people,  you  do  now,  in  transferring  your  pe- 
culiar relations  to  this  branch  of  his  Church, 
cheerfully  renew  the  consecration  of  yourselves 
to  his  service,  engage  to  submit  to  the  govern- 
ment and  discipline  of  Christ  as  here  adminis- 
tered, and  promise  to  seek  the  purity,  peace, 
and  edification  of  this  Church. 

[PTere  the  Church  rise.] 


SERVICES.  203 


Welcome  by  the  Church. 


In  consequence  of  these  engagements,  we  re- 
ceive you,  beloved  in  the  Lord,  into  the  com- 
munion of  this  Church,  and  declare  you  enti- 
tled to  all  its  privileges.  We  welcome  you  to 
our  number,  and  promise  to  watch  over  you, 
and  seek  your  edification  while  you  continue 
among  us.  We  ask  a  faithful  co-operation  on 
your  part  in  all  our  labors.  May  our  fellow- 
ship in  the  Gospel  be  sweet  and  profitable,  and 
may  we  together  "  press  toward  the  mark  for 
the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus." 

"Kow  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  you 
from  falling,  and  to  present  you  faultless  before 
the  presence  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy, 
to  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and 
majesty,  dominion  and  power,  both  now  and 
ever.     Amen." 

[Here  all  resume  their  seats.  If  no  persons  previously  bap- 
tized are  received,  the  above  formula  is  still  read  consecutive- 
ly, omitting  only  the  brief  address  to  those  received  by  letter, 
should  there  be  none  such  present.  If,  however,  there  be  bap- 
tized persons  only  to  be  admitted  to  full  communion,  the  ad- 
dress is  to  be  begun  after  the  place  designated  for  the  adminis- 
tration of  baptism,  the  Confession  of  Faith  being  thus  omitted. 
In  receiving  members  from  other  churches,  some  may  prefer 
to  announce  their  reception,  without  any  other  form,  after  the 
conclusion  of  this  service,  in  which  case  the  brief  address  to 
such  persons  is  not  used.     Every  minister  can  readily  make 


204    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Regular  transfer  of  Church  relations. 


the  changes  in  language  necessary  when  only  one  person  is 
received,  such  as  the  omission  of  the  word  ''severally"  from 
the  covenant.] 

We  have  reserved  for  introduction  at  this 
point,  as  appearing  to  be  most  appropriate  in 
connection  with  the  preceding  formula  of  re- 
ception, a  word  of  suggestion  in  regard  to  the 
principles  which  regulate  Church  membership, 
and  govern  the  transfer  of  relations  from  one  - 
congregation  to  another. 

It  ought  to  be  impressed  on  all  members  of 
the  Church  that  there  is  no  orderly  way  in 
which  they  can  dissolve  their  connection  with 
an  individual  Church  except  by  obtaining  reg- 
ular letters  of  dismission  and  recommendation. 
These  should  be  applied  for  very  soon  after  re- 
moving from  the  bounds  of  the  congregation  to 
which  the  applicants  have  belonged,  otherwise 
they  may  be  unable  to  procure  unqualified  tes- 
timonials to  their  good  standing.  Our  Book  of 
Discipline,  chapter  xi.,  sections  3  and  4,  gives 
explicit  directions  on  this  point. 

It  ought  not  to  be  forgotten,  moreover,  that 
a  member's  relation  to  his  Church  is  dissolved 
only  by  his  actual  reception  into  another  Church. 
So  long  as  he  holds  his  certificate  of  dismission 
unused,  he  belongs  to  the  former  body,  and  is 
subject  to  its  discipline. 


SERVICES.  205 


Disorderly  withdrawal.  How  treated. 

It  is  disorderly  for  a  Church,  member  to  unite 
himself  to  another  denomination  without  a  reg- 
ular dismission.  In  case  of  such  a  step,  how- 
ever, if  the  Session  can  be  certified  of  the  same, 
they  may,  if  they  think  it  expedient  to  take  no 
farther  step,  drop  the  name  of  the  person  from 
their  roll,  stating  distinctly  in  the  minutes  the 
reasons  of  their  action. 


206    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Marriage  ceremony. 


CHAPTER  III. 

SERVICE  IN  THE   CELEBRATION  OF  MARRIAGE. 

MARRIAGE  CEREMONY.     I. 

By  Rev.  Samuel  Worcester,  D.D. — Altered. 

The  honorable  and  interesting  relation  into 
whicli  you  now  propose  to  enter  is  of  divine  in- 
stitution ;  it  is  sacred  in  its  nature  and  import- 
ant in  its  duties.  It  involves  your  dearest  in- 
terests in  this  life,  and,  in  its  consequences,  looks 
forward  to  a  future  world. 

A  union  so  peculiar  should  not  be  entered 
into  without  a  just  sense  of  its  responsibilities. 
And  as  you  can  not  properly  be  united  in  these 
bonds  without  the  sanction  of  God's  Word  and 
of  the  civil  law,  I  charge  you  to  declare  it  if 
there  be  any  impediment  to  your  lawful  mar- 
riage. If  there  be  none,  you  will  please  to 
join  your  right  hands. 

Thus  giving  token  of  your  cordial  union,  you 
mutually  take  and  acknowledge  each  other  in 
this  sacred  and  most  endearing  relation  of  na- 
ture. 


SERVICES.  207 


Marriage  ceremony. 


In  the  presence  of  God  and  these  witnesses, 
you  promise  to  cleave  to  each  other,  and  to 
none  else,  and  mutually  to  love,  honor,  and 
cherish  each  other. 

You  severally  promise  that  you  will  endeav- 
or, by  every  kind,  affectionate,  and  faithful  of- 
fice, to  lighten  each  other's  cares,  relieve  each 
other's  sorrows,  promote  each  other's  joys,  and 
aid  each  other's  duties ;  and  in  all  the  scenes 
of  life,  whether  prosperous  or  adverse,  joyous 
or  afiiictive,  through  which,  in  divine  Provi- 
dence, you  may  be  called  to  pass,  you  promise 
to  fulfill  to  each  other  the  offices  and  duties  of 
husband  and  wife  respectively,  and  so  to  con- 
duct yourselves  toward  each  other  as  becomes 
those  who  expect  to  give  an  account,  and  thus 
to  do  till  death  shall  separate  you. 

Do  you  thus  mutually  covenant  and  prom- 
ise? 

pf  the  use  of  the  ring  he  preferred,  the  minister  shall  here 
say  to  the  man,] 

What  token  dost  thou  give  of  thy  sincerity? 

[The  man  presents  the  ring,  and  the  minister  shall  say  to 
the  woman,] 

Dost  thou,  in  evidence  of  the  same  on  thy 
part,  accept  this  ring  ? 

[While  saying  this,  the  minister  shall  guide  the  hand  of  the 


208    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Marriage  ceremony. 

man,  who  shall  place  the  ring  on  the  fourth  finger  of  the 
woman's  left  hand.     Then  the  minister  shall  say,] 

Let  us  pray : 

Almighty  God,  be  pleased  to  accompany 
thine  own  institution  with  thy  blessing.  Thou 
hast  said  from  the  beginning  that  it  is  not  good 
that  man  should  be  alone,  and  therefore  hast 
thou  made  an  help  meet  for  him,  and  ordained 
that  those  who  were  two  should  be  one.  We 
beseech  thee  (since  thou  hast  called  these  two 
persons  to  the  honorable  estate  of  marriage)  to 
vouchsafe  to  them  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  they 
may  piously  live  together,  and  surely  keep  the 
vow  and  covenant  between  them  made.  May 
they  ever  continue  in  perfect  love  and  peace 
together,  and  live  according  to  thy  laws,  to  the 
praise  of  thine  abundant  mercy,  in  and  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

[Then  the  minister,  taking  their  clasped  hands,  shall  say,] 

I  now  pronounce  you  husband  and  wife ;  and 
what  God  hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put 
asunder. 

The  Lord  our  God  replenish  you  with  his 
grace,  and  grant  that  ye  may  long  live  togeth- 
er in  all  godliness  and  holiness. 

The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  you ! 


I 


SERVICES.  209 


Marriage  ceremony. 


The  Lord  make  his  face  shine  upon  you  and 
be  gracious  unto  you ! 

The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  you 
and  give  you  peace !     Amen. 

MARRIAGE  CEREMONY.     II. 
Furnished  by  Rev.  William  Adams,  D.D. 

Marriage  was  instituted  by  Grod  himself  for 
the  welfare  and  happiness  of  his  creatures.  It 
was  honored  by  the  presence  of  the  Son  of  God, 
and  pronounced  by  the  Holy  Ghost  "honora- 
ble in  all."  The  duties  incumbent  on  those 
entering  into  this  relation  are  briefly  expressed 
in  sympathy  and  love.  Henceforth  you  are  to 
be  no  more  distinct  and  divided,  but  parts  and 
properties  of  each  other's  being.  Whatever 
joy  may  be  the  portion  of  one  will  be  shared 
by  the  heart  of  the  other,  and  whatever  sorrow 
may  be  allotted  to  one  will  throw  its  shadow 
over  the  path  of  the  other ;  so  that,  in  the  words 
of  the  Son  of  God,  you  shall  be  "no  more  twain, 
but  one  flesh." 

[Here  the  parties  are  requested  to  take  each  other  by  the 
right  hand.] 

You,  A.  B.,  do  take  the  woman  whom  you 
hold  by  the  hand  to  be* your  lawful  and  mar- 
ried wife ;  and  you  solemnly  promise  before  God 

G 


210      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 


Marriage  cereinony. 


and  these  witnesses  that  you  will  love  and  hon- 
or her,  and  in  every  regard  prescribed  by  the 
Word  of  God  and  the  laws  of  this  common- 
wealth prove  to  her  a  faithful  and  affectionate 
husband  till  you  are  separated  from  her  by 
death.    Do  you  thus  promise  ? 

A.  B.  I  do. 

You,  C.  D.,  do  take  the  man  whom  you  now 
hold  by  the  hand  to  be  your  lawful  and  mar- 
ried husband ;  and  you  solemnly  promise  be- 
fore God  and  these  witnesses  that  you  will  love 
and  honor  him,  and  in  every  regard  prescribed 
by  the  Word  of  God  and  the  laws  of  this  com- 
monwealth, prove  to  him  a  faithful  and  affec- 
tionate wife  till  you  are  separated  from  him  by 
death.     Do  you  thus  promise  ? 

CD.  I  do. 

Minister.  Forasmuch  as  you,  A.  B.  and  C.  D., 
have  so  engaged  and  promised,  I  do,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  Word  of  God,  pronounce  you 
husband  and  wife. 

r~~  [If  a  ring  is  used,  the  minister  here  gives  the  ring  to  the 
husband,  who  puts  it  upon  the  fourth  finger  of  the  left  hand 
of  his  wife;  the  minister  adding,] 

And  of  this  indissoluble  union  you  give  and 
receive  this  ring  as  a  simple  token  and  pledge. 

[The  minister  holding  the  hands  thus  united  in  his,] 


SERVICES.  211 


Marriage  ceremony. 


And  what  God  hath  joined  together  let  not 
man  put  asunder. 

The  Lord  bless  you  and  keep  jou ;  the  Lord 
make  his  face  to  shine  upon  you  and  be  gra- 
cious unto  you;  the  Lord  lift  up  his  counte- 
nance upon  you  and  give  you  peace.    Amen. 

Let  us  pray. 


212     THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Funeral  service. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

SERVICES  AT  FUNERALS. 

In  conducting  funeral  services,  we  deem  it 
the  best  usage  first  to  read  selections  from  the 
Scriptures,  following  with  an  address,  an  appro- 
priate prayer,  and  the  benediction.  A  psalm 
or  hymn  may  be  sung  at  the  beginning,  when 
desired. 

It  will  be  found  a  convenience  to  pastors  to 
possess  suitable  selected  portions  of  God's  Word 
in  an  accessible  form,  for  use  on  these  occasions. 

In  the  following  compilations,  we  have  given 
both  large  consecutive  passages  of  Scripture, 
and  smaller  selected  portions  that  have  an  ap- 
propriateness in  combination.  Care  has  been 
taken,  as  far  as  practicable,  not  to  join  verses 
from  different  parts  of  the  sacred  volume  in 
such  a  way  as  to  make  them  seem  as  if  they 
were  originally  in  the  same  connection. 

In  some  instances  it  may  be  desirable  to 
omit,  in  reading,  some  of  the  passages  in  a  par- 
ticular service,  using  only  those  which  appear 


SERVICES.  213 


Funeral  sei-vice. 


most  appropriate  to  the  circumstances.  It  is 
deemed  a  useful  feature  in  these  selections  that 
some  of  them  are  specific  in  their  character,  be- 
ing intended  for  the  funerals  of  the  young,  of 
the  aged,  of  ministers  and  other  public  men, 
and  for  cases  of  sudden  death. 

Appended  to  these  services  are  several  brief 
forms  suitable  for  use  at  the  grave. 

FUNERAL  SERVICE.     I. 

Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  of  few  days, 
and  full  of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth  like  a 
flower,  and  is  cut  down :  he  fleeth  also  as  a 
shadow,  and  continueth  not.  And  dost  thou 
open  thine  eyes  upon  such  an  one,  and  bring- 
est  me  into  judgment  with  thee?  Who  can 
bring  a  clean  thing  out  of  an  unclean  ?  not  one. 
Seeing  his  days  are  determined,  the  number  of 
his  months  is  with  thee;  thou  hast  appointed 
his  bounds  that  he  can  not  pass ;  turn  from 
him,  that  he  may  rest,  till  he  shall  accomplish, 
as  an  hireling,  his  day. 

For  there  is  hope  of  a  tree,  if  it  be  cut  down, 
that  it  will  sprout  again,  and  that  the  tender 
branch  thereof  will  not  cease.  Though  the  root 
thereof  wax  old  in  the  earth,  and  the  stock 
thereof  die  in  the  ground,  yet  through  the  scent 


214    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Funeral  ser/ice. 


of  water  it  will  bud,  and  bring  forth  boughs  like 
a  plant.  But  man  dieth,  and  wasteth  away; 
yea,  man  giveth  up  the  ghost,  and  where  is  he  ? 

As  the  waters  fail  from  the  sea,  and  the  flood 
decayeth  and  drieth  up,  so  man  lieth  down  and 
riseth  not :  till  the  heavens  be  no  more,  they 
shall  not  awake,  nor  be  raised  out  of  their 
sleep. 

O  that  thou  wouldst  hide  me  in  the  grave, 
that  thou  wouldst  keep  me  secret  until  thy 
wrath  be  past,  that  thou  wouldst  appoint  me  a 
set  time,  and  remember  me !  If  a  man  die, 
shall  he  live  again  ?  All  the  days  of  my  ap- 
pointed time  will  I  wait,  till  my  change  come. 

Thou  shalt  call,  and  I  will  answer  thee :  thou 
wilt  have  a  desire  to  the  work  of  thine  hands. 
For  now  thou  numberest  my  steps ;  dost  thou 
not  watch  over  my  sin?  My  transgression  is 
sealed  up  in  a  bag,  and  thou  sewest  up  mine 
iniquity. 

And  surely  the  mountain  falling  cometh  to 
naught,  and  the  rock  is  removed  out  of  his 
place.  The  waters  wear  the  stones :  thou  wash- 
est  away  the  things  which  grow  out  of  the  dust 
of  the  earth ;  and  thou  destroyest  the  hope  of 
man.  Thou  prevailest  forever  against  him,  and 
he  passeth ;  thou  changest  his  countenance,  and 


SEEVICES.  215 


Funeral  service. 


sendest  liim  away.  His  sons  come  to  honor, 
and  lie  knowetli  it  not ;  and  they  are  brought 
low,  but  he  perceiveth  it  not  of  them. 

And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  > 
unto  me,  Write,  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die 
in  the  Lord  from  henceforth ;  yea,  saith  the 
Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors ; 
and  their  works  do  follow  them. 

FUNERAL  SERVICE.    II. 

Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  be- 
come the  first-fruits  of  them  that  slept.  For 
since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came  also  the 
resurrection  of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam  all 
die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. 
But  every  man  in  his  own  order:  Christ  the 
First-fruits ;  afterward  they  that  are  Christ's  at 
his  coming.  Then  cometh  the  end,  when  he 
shall  have  delivered  up  the  kingdom  to  God, 
even  the  Father ;  when  he  shall  have  put  down 
all  rule,  and  all  authority,  and  power.  For  he 
must  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies  under 
his  feet.  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroy- 
ed IS  death.  For  he  hath  put  all  things  under 
his  feet.  But  when  he  saith,  all  things  are  put 
under  him,  it  is  manifest  that  he  is  excepted 
which  did  put  all  things  under  him.     And 


216    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Funeral  service. 

when  all  things  shall  be  subdued  unto  him, 
then  shall  the  Son  also  himself  be  subject  unto 
him  that  put  all  things  under  him,  that  God 
may  be  all  in  all.  Else  what  shall  they  do 
which  are  baptized  for  the  dead,  if  the  dead  rise 
not  at  all  ?  why  are  they  then  baptized  for  the 
dead?  And  why  stand  we  in  jeopardy  every 
hour?  I  protest  by  your  rejoicing  which  I 
have  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  I  die  daily.  If, 
after  the  manner  of  men,  I  have  fought  with 
beasts  at  Ephesus,  what  advantageth  it  me  if 
the  dead  rise  not?  let  us  eat  and  drink,  for  to- 
morrow we  die.  Be  not  deceived :  evil  com- 
munications corrupt  good  manners.  Awake  to 
righteousness,  and  sin  not ;  for  some  have  not 
the  knowledge  of  God :  I  speak  this  to  your 
shame. 

But  some  man  will  say,  How  are  the  dead 
raised  up  ?  and  with  what  body  do  they  come  ? 
Thou  fool,  that  which  thou  sowest  is  not  quick- 
ened except  it  die ;  and  that  which  thou  sow- 
est, thou  sowest  not  that  body  that  shall  be,  but 
bare  grain,  it  may  chance  of  wheat,  or  of  some 
other  grain;  but  God  giveth  it  a  body  as  it 
hath  pleased  him,  and  to  every  seed  his  own 
body.  All  flesh  is  not  the  same  flesh ;  but  there 
is  one  kind  of  flesh  of  men,  another  flesh  of 


SERVICES.  217 


Funeral  service. 


beasts,  another  of  fislies,  and  another  of  birds. 
There  are  also  celestial  bodies,  and  bodies  ter- 
restrial ;  but  the  glory  of  the  celestial  is  one,  and 
the  glory  of  the  terrestrial  is  another.  There 
is  one  glory  of  the  sun,  and  another  glory  of 
the  moon,  and  another  glory  of  the  stars ;  for 
one  star  diflfereth  from  another  star  in  glory.  So 
also  is  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  It  is  sown 
in  corruption ;  it  is  raised  in  incorruption :  it  is 
sown  in  dishonor ;  it  is  raised  in  glory :  it  is 
sown  in  weakness ;  it  is  raised  in  power :  it  is 
sown  a  natural  body ;  it  is  raised  a  spiritual 
body.  There  is  a  natural  body,  and  there  is  a 
spiritual  body.  And  so  it  is  written.  The  first 
man  Adam  was  made  a  living  soul,  the  last 
Adam  was  made  a  quickening  spirit.  How- 
beit,  that  was  not  first  which  is  spiritual,  but 
that  which  is  natural,  and  afterward  that  which 
is  spiritual.  The  first  man  is  of  the  earth, 
earthy ;  the  second  man  is  the  Lord  from  heav- 
en. As  is  the  earthy,  such  are  they  also  that 
are  earthy;  and  as  is  the  heavenly,  such  are 
they  also  that  are  heavenly.  And  as  we  have 
borne  the  image  of  the  earthy,  we  shall  also 
bear  the  image  of  the  heavenly. 

Now  this  I  say,  brethren,  that  flesh  and  blood 
can  not  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God  ;  neither 


218      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
Funeral  Bei-vice, 

doth  corruption  inherit  incorruption.  Behold, 
I  show  you  a  mystery ;  we  shall  not  all  sleep, 
but  we  shall  all  be  changed,  in  a  moment,  in 
the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the  last  trump ;  for 
the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead  shall  be 
raised  incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be  changed. 
For  this  corruptible  must  put  on  incorruption, 
and  this  mortal  must  put  on  immortality.  So, 
when  this  corruptible  shall  have  put  on  incor- 
ruption, and  this  mortal  shall  have  put  on  im- 
mortality, then  shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  say- 
ing that  is  written,  Death  is  swallowed  up  in 
victory.  0  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave, 
where  is  thy  victory  ?  The  sting  of  death  is 
sin,  and  the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law.  But 
thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye  stead- 
fast, unmovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your 
labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

And  I  saw  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth ; 
for  the  first  heaven  and  the  first  earth  were 
passed  away,  and  there  was  no  more  sea.  And 
I,  John,  saw  the  holy  city,  new  Jerusalem,  com- 
ing down  from  God  out  of  heaven,  prepared  as 
a  bride  adorned  for  her  husband.    And  I  heard 


SERVICES.  219 


Funeral  service.  Sudden  death. 

a  great  voice  out  of  heaven,  saying,  Behold  the 
tabernacle  of  God  is  with  men,  and  he  will  dwell 
with  them,  and  they  shall  be  his  people,  and 
God  himself  shall  be  with  them,  and  be  their 
God.  And  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from 
their  eyes ;  and  there  shall  be  no  more  death, 
neither  sorrow,  nor  crying,  neither  shall  there 
be  any  more  pain ;  for  the  former  things  are 
passed  away. 

FUNERAL  SERVICE.     III. 
SUDDEN  DEATH. 

Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so  the 
Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him ;  for  he  know- 
eth  our  frame ;  he  remembereth  that  we  are 
dust.  As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  grass ;  as  a 
flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flourisheth.  For  the 
wind  passeth  over  it  and  it  is  gone,  and  the 
place  thereof  shall  know  it  no  more.  We  all 
do  fade  as  a  leaf,  and  our  iniquities,  like  the 
wind,  have  taken  us  away.  What  is  your  life  ? 
It  is  even  a  vapor,  that  appeareth  for  a  little 
time  and  then  vanisheth  away.  He  weakened 
my  strength  in  the  way,  he  shortened  my  days. 
Man  knoweth  not  his  time.  As  the  fishes  that 
are  taken  in  an  evil  net,  and  as  the  birds  that 
are  caught  in  the  snare,  so  are  the  sons  of  men 


220      THE   rilESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
Funeral  Bervice.  Sudden  death. 

snared  in  an  evil  time,  when  it  falletb.  suddenly 
upon  them.  There  is  but  a  step  between  me 
and  death.  0  my  God,  take  me  not  away  in 
the  midst  of  my  days. 

Ko  man  hath  power  over  the  spirit  to  retain 
the  spirit,  neither  hath  he  power  in  the  day  of 
death ;  and  there  is  no  discharge  in  that  war, 
neither  shall  wickedness  deliver  those  that  are 
given  to  it.  They  that  trust  in  their  wealth, 
and  boast  themselves  in  the  multitude  of  their 
riches — none  of  them  can,  by  any  means,  re- 
deem his  brother,  nor  give  to  God  a  ransom  for 
him,  that  he  should  still  live  forever,  and  not 
see  corruption.  For  wise  men  die,  likewise  the 
fool  and  the  brutish  person  perish,  and  leave 
their  wealth  to  others.  They  are  exalted  for 
a  little  while,  but  are  gone  and  brought  low ; 
they  are  taken  out  of  the  way  as  all  other,  and 
cut  off  as  the  tops  of  the  ears  of  corn. 

We  must  all  appear  before  the  judgment-seat 
of  Christ,  that  every  one  may  receive  the  things 
done  in  his  body,  according  to  that  he  hath 
done,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad. 

Marvel  not  at  this ;  for  the  hour  is  coming 
in  the  which  all  that  are  in  the  graves  shall 
hear  his  voice,  and  shall  come  forth ;  they  that 
have  done  good  unto  the  resurrection  of  life, 


SERVICES.  221 

Funeral  service.  Sudden  death. 

and  they  that  have  done  evil  unto  the  resur- 
rection of  damnation. 

Then  shall  the  kingdom  of  heaven  be  liken- 
ed unto  ten  virgins,  which  took  their  lamps, 
and  went  forth  to  meet  the  bridegroom.  And 
five  of  them  were  wise,  and  five  were  foolish. 
They  that  were  foolish  took  their  lamps,  and 
took  no  oil  with  them ;  but  the  wise  took  oil 
in  their  vessels  with  their  lamps.  While  the 
bridegroom  tarried,  they  all  slumbered  and 
slept.  And  at  midnight  there  was  a  cry  made, 
Behold,  the  bridegroom  cometh ;  go  ye  out  to 
meet  him.  Then  all  those  virgins  arose,  and 
trimmed  their  lamps.  And  the  foolish  said 
unto  the  wise,  Give  us  of  your  oil,  for  our  lamps 
are  gone  out.  But  the  wise  answered,  saying, 
Not  so,  lest  there  be  not  enough  for  us  and  you ; 
but  go  ye  rather  to  them  that  sell,  and  buy  for 
yourselves.  And  while  they  went  to  buy,  the 
bridegroom  came;  and  they  that  were  ready 
went  in  with  him  to  the  marriage,  and  the  door 
was  shut.  Afterward  came  also  the  other  vir- 
gins, saying.  Lord,  Lord,  open  to  us.  But  he 
answered  and  said,  Yerily,  I  say  unto  you,  I 
know  you  not.  "Watch,  therefore,  for  ye  know 
neither  the  day  nor  the  hour  wherein  the  Son 
of  man  cometh. 


222     THE  pkesbyterian's  hand-book. 

Funeral  service.  For  an  infant. 

Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord ; 
yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from 
their  labors,  and  their  works  do  follow  them. 
The  righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death.  Let  me 
die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let  my  last 
end  be  like  his.  Precious  in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord  is  the  death  of  his  saints.  The  day  of 
their  death  is  better  than  that  of  their  birth. 
Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do,  do  it  with 
thy  might;  for  there  is  no  work,  nor  device, 
nor  knowledge,  nor  wisdom  in  the  grave  whith- 
er thou  goest.  Behold,  now  is  the  accepted 
time ;  behold,  now  is  the  day  of  salvation. 

FUNERAL  SERVICE.    IV. 
FOR  AN  INFANT. 

Man  is  like  to  vanity ;  his  days  are  as  a 
shadow  that  passeth  away.  Although  afflic- 
tion Cometh  not  forth  of  the  dust,  neither  doth 
trouble  spring  out  of  the  ground,  yet  man  is 
born  unto  trouble  as  the  sparks  fly  upward.  A 
voice  was  heard  in  Ram  ah,  lamentation,  and 
bitter  weeping ;  Rachel,  weeping  for  her  chil- 
dren, refused  to  be  comforted  for  her  children, 
because  they  were  not. 

And  when  the  child  was  grown,  it  fell,  on  a 
day,  that  he  went  out  to  his  father  to  the  reap- 


SERVICES.  223 


Funeral  service.  For  an  infant. 

ers.  And  he  said  unto  his  father,  My  head,  my 
head.  And  he  said  to  a  lad.  Carry  him  to  his 
mother.  And  when  he  had  taken  him,  and 
brought  him  to  his  mother,  he  sat  on  her  knees 
till  noon,  and  then  died.  And  she  went  up, 
and  laid  him  on  the  bed  of  the  man  of  God,  and 
shut  the  door  upon  him,  and  went  out.  And 
she  called  unto  her  husband,  and  said,  Send 
me,  I  pray  thee,  one  of  the  young  men,  and  one 
of  the  asses,  that  I  may  run  to  the  man  of  God, 
and  come  again.  And  he  said,  Wherefore  wilt 
thou  go  to  him  to-day  ?  it  is  neither  new  moon 
nor  Sabbath.  And  she  said,  It  shall  be  well. 
Then  she  saddled  an  ass,  and  said  to  her  serv- 
ant. Drive,  and  go  forward ;  slack  not  thy  rid- 
ing for  me  except  I  bid  thee.  So  she  went, 
and  came  unto  the  man  of  God  to  Mount  Car- 
mel.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  man  of 
God  saw  her  afar  off,  that  he  said  to  Gehazi 
his  servant.  Behold,  yonder  is  that  Shunamite. 
Eun  now,  I  pray  thee,  to  meet  her,  and  say  unto 
her.  Is  it  well  with  thee  ?  is  it  well  with  thy 
husband  ?  is  it  well  with  the  child  ?  And  she 
answered.  It  is  well. 

David,  therefore,  besought  God  for  the  child ; 
and  David  fasted,  and  went  in,  and  lay  all  night 
upon  the  earth.     And  the  elders  of  his  house 


224    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Funeral  f  ervice.  For  an  infant. 

arose,  and  went  to  him  to  raise  him  up  from 
the  earth ;  but  he  would  not,  neither  did  he  eat 
bread  with  them.  And  it  came  to  pass  on  the 
seventh  day  that  the  child  died.  And  the  serv- 
ants of  David  feared  to  tell  him  that  the  child 
was  dead ;  for  they  said.  Behold,  while  the  child 
was  yet  alive  we  spake  unto  him,  and  he  would 
not  hearken  unto  our  voice ;  how  will  he  then 
vex  himself  if  we  tell  him  that  the  child  is  dead? 
But  when  David  saw  that  his  servants  whisper- 
ed, David  perceived  that  the  child  was  dead ; 
therefore  David  said  unto  his  servants,  Is  the 
child  dead  ?  And  they  said.  He  is  dead.  Then 
David  arose  from  the  earth,  and  washed  and 
anointed  himself,  and  changed  his  apparel,  and 
came  into  the  house  of  the  Lord  and  worship- 
ed ;  then  he  came  to  his  own  house ;  and  when 
he  required,  they  set  bread  before  him,  and  he 
did  eat.  Then  said  his  servants  unto  him, 
What  thing  is  this  that  thou  hast  done  ?  thou 
didst  fast  and  weep  for  the  child  while  it  was 
alive,  but  when  the  child  was  dead  thou  didst 
rise  and  eat  bread.  And  he  said,  While  the 
child  was  yet  alive  I  fasted  and  wept ;  for  I 
said.  Who  can  tell  whether  God  will  be  gracious 
to  me  that  the  child  may  live?  But  now  he 
is  dead,  wherefore  should  I  fast  ?     Can  I  bring 


SERVICES.  225 


Funeral  service.  For  a  young  person. 

him  back  again?  I  shall  go  to  him,  but  he 
shall  not  return  to  me. 

And  they  brought  young  children  to  him, 
that  he  should  touch  them ;  and  his  disciples 
rebuked  those  that  brought  them.  But  when 
Jesus  saw  it  he  was  much  displeased,  and  said 
unto  them.  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come 
unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not,  for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  God.  Yerily,  I  say  unto  yoUjWho- 
soever  shall  not  receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as 
a  little  child,  he  shall  not  enter  therein. 

It  is  not  the  will  of  your  Father  which  is  in 
heaven  that  one  of  these  little  ones  should 
perish. 

FUNERAL  SERVICE.    V. 
FOR   A   YOUNG    PERSON. 

What  man  is  he  that  liveth,  and  shall  not  see 
death  ?  shall  he  deliver  his  soul  from  the  hand 
of  the  grave  ?  One  dieth  in  his  full  strength, 
being  wholly  at  ease  and  quiet ;  his  breasts  are 
full  of  milk,  and  his  bones  are  moistened  with 
marrow.  Another  dieth  in  the  bitterness  of 
his  soul,  and  never  eateth  with  pleasure.  They 
shall  lie  down  alike  in  the  dust,  and  the  worms 
shall  cover  them. 

And  it  came  to'  pass  *  *  ^  that  he  went  into 


226    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Funeral  service.  For  a  young  person. 

a  city  called  Nain ;  and  many  of  his  disciples 
went  with  him,  and  much  people.  Now,  when 
he  came  nigh  to  the  gate  of  the  city,  behold, 
there  was  a  dead  man  carried  out,  the  only  son 
of  his  mother,  and  she  was  a  widow ;  and  much 
people  of  the  city  was  with  her.  And  when 
the  Lord  saw  her,  he  had  compassion  on  her, 
and  said  unto  her,  "Weep  not.  And  he  came 
and  touched  the  bier ;  and  they  that  bare  him 
stood  still.  And  he  said,  Young  man,  I  say 
unto  thee.  Arise.  And  he  that  was  dead  sat 
up,  and  began  to  speak.  And  he  delivered  him 
to  his  mother. 

ISTow  a  certain  man  was  sick,  named  Lazarus, 
of  Bethany,  the  town  of  Mary  and  her  sister 
Martha.  *  -^^  *  *  *  He  [Jesus]  saith  unto  them, 
Our  friend  Lazarus  sleepeth ;  but  I  go  that  I 
may  awake  him  out  of  sleep.  Then  said  his 
disciples.  Lord,  if  he  sleep,  he  shall  do  well. 
Howbeit  Jesus  spake  of  his  death ;  but  they 
thought  that  he  had  spoken  of  taking  of  rest  in 
sleep.  Then  said  Jesus  unto  them  plainly,  Laz- 
arus is  dead.  And  I  am  glad,  for  your  sakes, 
that  I  was  not  there,  to  the  intent  ye  may  be- 
lieve ;  nevertheless,  let  us  go  unto  him.  Then 
said  Thomas,  which  is  called  Didymus,  unto  his 
fellow-disciples,  Let  us  also  go,  that  we  may  die 


SERVICES.  227 


Funeral  service.  For  a  young  person. 

with  him.  Then  when  Jesus  came,  he  found 
that  he  had  lain  in  the  grave  four  days  already 
(now  Bethany  was  nigh  unto  Jerusalem,  about 
fifteen  furlongs  off) ;  and  many  of  the  Jews 
came  to  Martha  and  Mary,  to  comfort  them 
concerning  their  brother.  Then  Martha,  as 
soon  as  she  heard  that  Jesus  was  coming,  went 
and  met  him ;  but  Mary  sat  still  in  the  house. 
Then  said  Martha  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  if  thou 
hadst  been  here,  my  brother  had  not  died.  But 
I  know  that  even  now,  whatsoever  thou  wilt 
ask  of  God,  God  will  give  it  thee.  Jesus  saith 
unto  her,  Thy  brother  shall  rise  again.  Martha 
saith  unto  him,  I  know  that  he  shall  rise  again 
in  the  resurrection  at  the  last  day.  Jesus  said 
■unto  her,  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life ;  he 
that  believeth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet 
shall  he  live ;  and  whosoever  liveth  and  believ- 
eth in  me  shall  never  die.  Believest  thou  this  ? 
She  saith  unto  him.  Yea,  Lord  ;  I  believe  that 
thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  which 
should  come  into  the  world.  And  when  she 
had  so  said,  she  went  her  way,  and  called  Mary 
her  sister,  secretly,  saying,  The  Master  is  come, 
and  calleth  for  thee.  As  soon  as  she  heard 
that,  she  arose  quickly,  and  came  unto  him. 
Now  Jesus  was  not  yet  come  into  the  town, 


228    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Funeral  service.  For  a  young  person. 

but  was  in  that  place  where  Martha  met  him. 
The  Jews,  then,  which  were  with  her  in  the 
house,  and  comforted  her,  when  they  saw  Mar  j, 
that  she  rose  up  hastily  and  went  out,  followed 
her,  saying.  She  goeth  unto  the  grave  to  weep 
there.  Then  when  Mary  was  come  where  Je- 
sus was,  and  saw  him,  she  fell  down  at  his  feet, 
saying  unto  him,  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  been  here, 
my  brother  had  not  died.  When  Jesus  there- 
fore saw  her  weeping,  and  the  Jews  also  weep- 
ing which  came  with  her,  he  groaned  in  the 
spirit,  and  was  troubled,  and  said,  Where  have 
ye  laid  him  ?  They  say  unto  him.  Lord,  come 
and  see.  Jesus  wept.  Then  said  the  Jews, 
Behold  how  he  loved  him !  And  some  of  them 
said.  Could  not  this  man,  which  opened  the  eyes 
of  the  blind,  have  caused  that  even  this  man 
should  not  have  died?  Jesus  therefore  again 
groaning  in  himself,  cometh  to  the  grave.  It 
was  a  cave,  and  a  stone  lay  upon  it.  Jesus  said. 
Take'  ye  away  the  stone.  Martha,  the  sister  of 
him  that  was  dead,  saith  unto  him,  Lord,  by 
this  time  he  stinketh ;  for  he  hath  been  dead 
four  days.  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Said  I  not  unto 
thee  that  if  thou  wouldst  believe  thou  shouldst 
see  the  glory  of  God  ?  Then  they  took  away 
the  stone  from  the  place  where  the  dead  was 


SERVICES.  229 


Funeral  service.  For  a  young  person. 

laid.  And  Jesus  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  said, 
Father,  I  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  heard  me. 
And  I  knew  that  thou  hearest  me  always ;  but 
because  of  the  people  which  stand  by  I  said  it, 
that  they  may  believe  that  thou  hast  sent  me. 
And  when  he  thus  had  spoken,  he  cried  with  a 
loud  voice,  Lazarus,  come  forth.  And  he  that 
was  dead  came  forth,  bound  hand  and  foot  with 
grave-clothes ;  and  his  face  was  bound  about 
with  a  napkin.  Jesus  saith  unto  them.  Loose 
him,  and  let  him  go. 

And  behold,  Cushi  came ;  and  Cushi  said, 
Tidings,  my  lord  the  king ;  for  the  Lord  hath 
avenged  thee  this  day  of  all  them  that  rose  up 
against  thee.  And  the  king  said  unto  Cushi, 
Is  the  young  man  Absalom  safe  ?  And  Cushi 
answered,  The  enemies  of  my  lord  the  king, 
and  all  that  rise  against  thee  to  do  thee  hurt, 
be  as  that  young  man  is.  And  the  king  was 
much  moved,  and  went  up  to  the  chamber  over 
the  gate,  and  wept;  and  as  he  went,  thus  he 
said,  O  my  son  Absalom !  my  son,  my  son  Ab- 
salom !  would  God  I  had  died  for  thee,  0  Ab- 
salom, my  son,  my  son ! 

Eemember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of 
thy  youth,  while  the  evil  days  come  not,  nor 
the  years  draw  nigh  when  thou  shalt  say,  I 


230     THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Funeral  service.  For  a  young  person. 

have  no  pleasure  in  them ;  while  the  sun,  or  the 
light,  or  the  moon,  or  the  stars,  be  not  darken- 
ed, nor  the  clouds  return  after  the  rain :  in  the 
day  when  the  keepers  of  the  house  shall  trem- 
ble, and  the  strong  men  shall  bow  themselves, 
and  the  grinders  cease  because  they  are  few, 
and  those  that  look  out  of  the  windows  be 
darkened,  and  the  doors  shall  be  shut  in  the 
streets,  when  the  sound  of  the  grinding  is  low, 
and  he  shall  rise  up  at  the  voice  of  the  bird, 
and  all  the  daughters  of  music  shall  be  brought 
low ;  also  when  they  shall  be  afraid  of  that 
which  is  high,  and  fears  shall  be  in  the  way, 
and  the  almond -tree  shall  flourish,  and  the 
grasshopper  shall  be  a  burden,  and  desire  shall 
fail :  because  man  goeth  to  his  long  home,  and 
the  mourners  go  about  the  streets :  or  ever  the 
silver  cord  be  loosed,  or  the  golden  bowl  be 
broken,  or  the  pitcher  be  broken  at  the  fount- 
ain, or  the  wheel  broken  at  the  cistern.  Then 
shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was,  and 
the  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it. 

Blessed  and  holy  is  he  that  hath  part  in  the 
first  resurrection :  on  such,  the  second  death 
hath  no  power,  but  they  shall  be  priests  of  God 
and  of  Christ,  and  shall  reign  with  him  a  thou- 
sand years. 


SERVICES.  231 


Funeral  service.  For  an  aged  pereon. 

For  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose 
again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus 
will  God  bring  with  him. 

For  we  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of 
this  tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we  have  a  build- 
ing of  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eter- 
nal in  the  heavens.  For  in  this  we  groan,  earn- 
estly desiring  to  be  clothed  upon  with  our 
house  which  is  from  heaven,  if  so  be  that  be- 
ing clothed  we  shall  not  be  found  naked.  For 
we  that  are  in  this  tabernacle  do  groan  being 
burdened,  not  for  that  we  would  be  unclothed, 
but  clothed  upon,  that  mortality  might  be  swal- 
lowed up  of  life. 

The  hour  is  coming,  in  the  which  all  that  are 
in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  voice,  and  shall 
come  forth ;  they  that  have  done  good  unto 
the  resurrection  of  life,  and  they  that  have  done 
evil  unto  the  resurrection  of  damnation. 

Oh  that  they  were  wise,  that  they  understood 
this,  that  they  would  consider  their  latter  end ! 

FUNERAL  SERVICE.    VI. 

FOR    AN    AGED    PERSON. 

Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  of  few  days 
and  full  of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth  as  a  flow- 
er, and  is  cut  down ;  he  fleeth  also  as  a  shadow, 


232    THE  pkesbyteeian's  hand-book. 


Funeral  service.  For  an  aged  person. 

and  continueth  not.  We  are  but  of  yesterday, 
and  know  nothing,  because  our  days  upon  earth 
are  a  shadow. 

And  Jacob  said  unto  Pharaoh,  The  days  of 
the  years  of  my  pilgrimage  are  a  hundred  and 
thirty  years ;  few  and  evil  have  the  days  of  the 
years  of  my  life  been. 

Behold,  thou  hast  made  my  days  as  a  hand- 
breadth,  and  mine  age  is  as  nothing  before  thee. 
The  days  of  our  years  are  threescore  years  and 
ten ;  and  if,  by  reason  of  strength,  they  be  four- 
score years,  yet  is  their  strength  labor  and  sor- 
row, for  it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  we  fly  away. 
"We  are  strangers  before  thee  and  sojourners, 
as  were  all  our  fathers.  Our  days  on  the  earth 
are  as  a  shadow,  and  there  is  none  abiding. 
My  days  are  swifter  than  a  post.  They  are 
passed  away  as  the  swift  ships;  as  the  eagle 
that  hasteth  to  the  prey. 

The  hoary  head  is  a  crown  of  glory,  if  it  be 
found  in  the  way  of  righteousness.  The  right- 
eous shall  flourish  like  the  palm-tree ;  he  shall 
grow  like  a  cedar  in  Lebanon.  Those  that  be 
planted  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  shall  flourish 
in  the  courts  of  our  God.  They  shall  still  bring 
forth  fruit  in  old  age;  they  shall  be  fat  and 
flourishing,  to  show  that  the  Lord  is  upright. 


SERVICES.  233 


Funeral  service.  For  an  aged  person. 

He  is  my  rock,  and  there  is  no  unrighteousness 
in  him.  Thou  shalt  come  to  thy  grave  in  a 
full  age,  like  as  a  shock  of  corn  cometh  in  his 
season. 

And  these  are  the  days  of  Abraham's  life 
which  he  lived,  a  hundred  threescore  and  fif- 
teen years.  Then  Abraham  gave  up  the  ghost, 
and  died  in  a  good  old  age,  an  old  man,  and 
full  of  years,  and  was  gathered  to  his  people. 

Cast  me  not  off  in  the  time  of  old  age ;  for- 
sake me  not  when  my  strength  faileth.  My 
mouth  shall  show  forth  thy  righteousness  and 
thy  salvation  all  the  day,  for  I  know  not  the 
numbers  thereof  I  will  go  in  the  strength  of 
the  Lord  God ;  I  will  make  mention  of  thy 
righteousness,  even  of  thine  only.  0  God,  thou 
hast  taught  me  from  my  youth,  and  hitherto 
have  I  declared  thy  wondrous  works.  Now, 
also,  when  I  am  old  and  gray -headed,  0  God, 
forsake  me  not,  until  I  have  showed  thy  strength 
unto  this  generation,  and  thy  power  to  every 
one  that  is  to  come.  Thy  righteousness  also,  0 
God,  is  very  high,  who  hast  done  great  things ; 
0  God,  who  is  like  unto  thee  ?  Thou,  which 
hast  showed  me  great  and  sore  troubles,  shalt 
quicken  me  again,  and  shalt  bring  me  up  again 
from  the  depths  of  the  earth. 


234      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S   HAND-BOOK. 
Funeral  service.  For  an  aged  person. 

And  David  died  in  a  good  old  age,  full  of 
days,  riches,  and  honor. 

I  know  that  thou  wilt  bring  me  to  death, 
and  to  the  house  appointed  for  all  living. 

Jesus  said,  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life. 
He  that  believeth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead, 
yet  shall  he  live ;  and  whosoever  liveth  and  be- 
lieveth in  me  shall  never  die.  I  know  that  my 
Eedeemer  liveth,  and  that  he  shall  stand  at  the 
latter  day  upon  the  earth ;  and  though  after 
my  skin  worms  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  my 
flesh  shall  I  see  God ;  whom  I  shall  see  for  my- 
self, and  mine  eyes  shall  behold,  and  not  an- 
other. My  flesh  also  shall  rest  in  hope ;  for 
thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  hell,  neither  wilt 
thou  suffer  thine  Holy  One  to  see  corruption. 
Thou  Avilt  show  me  the  path  of  life :  in  thy 
presence  is  fullness  of  joy ;  at  thy  right  hand 
there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

I  would  not  have  you  to  be  ignorant,  breth- 
ren, concerning  them  which  are  asleep,  that  ye 
sorrow  not,  even  as  others  which  have  no  hope ; 
for  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose 
again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus 
will  God  bring  with  him.  For  this  we  say  unto 
you  by  the  word  of  the  Lord,  that  we  which 
are  alive  and  remain  unto  the  coming  of  the 


SERVICES.  235 


Funeral  service.  For  an  aged  person. 

Lord  shall  not  prevent  them  which  are  asleep. 
For  the  Lord  himself  shall  descend  from  heav- 
en with  a  shout,  with  the  voice  of  the  archan- 
gel, and  with  the  trump  of  God ;  and  the  dead 
in  Christ  shall  rise  first.  Then  we  which  are 
alive  and  remain  shall  be  caught  np  together 
with  them  in  the  clouds  to  meet  the  Lord  in 
the  air ;  and  so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord. 
Wherefore,  comfort  one  another  with  these 
words. 

Who  shall  separate  us  from  the  love  of 
Christ?  shall  tribulation,  or  distress,  or  perse- 
cution, or  famine,  or  nakedness,  or  peril,  or 
sword  ?  Nay,  in  all  these  things  we  are  more 
than  conquerors,  through  him  that  loved  ns. 
For  I  am  persuaded  that  neither  death,  nor  life, 
nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor 
things  present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  height, 
nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  shall  be  able 
to  separate  ns  from  the  love  of  God  which  is  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

Father,  I  will  that  they  also  whom  thou  hast 
given  me  be  with  me  where  I  am,  that  they  may 
behold  my  glory. 

Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled :  ye  believe 
in  God,  believe  also  in  me.  In  my  Father's 
house  are  many  mansions ;  if  it  were  not  so,  I 


236      THE   PRESBYTERIAN'S  HAND-BOOK. 
Funeral  service.  For  a  public  man. 

would  have  told  you :  I  go  to  prepare  a  place 
for  you.  And  if  I  go  and  prepare  a  place  for 
you,  I  will  come  again,  and  receive  you  unto 
myself,  that  where  I  am  there  ye  may  be  also. 

I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying  unto 
me.  Write,  blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in 
the  Lord  from  henceforth,  yea,  saith  the  Spirit, 
that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors,  and  theii' 
works  do  follow  them. 

There  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and 
there  the  weary  are  at  rest.  The  Lamb  that  is 
in  the  midst  of  the  throne  shall  feed  them,  and 
shall  lead  them  unto  living  fountains  of  waters. 

FUNERAL  SERVICE.     VII. 
FOR  A  PUBLIC  MAN. 

Know  ye  not  that  there  is  a  prince  and  a 
great  man  fallen  this  day  in  Israel  ?  Cease  ye 
from  man,  whose  breath  is  in  his  nostrils ;  for 
wherein  is  he  to  be  accounted  of?  He  cometh 
forth  like  a  flower,  and  is  cut  down ;  he  fleeth 
also  as  a  shadow,  and  continueth  not.  And 
surely  the  mountain  falling  cometh  to  naught, 
and  the  rock  is  removed  out  of  his  place.  The 
waters  wear  the  stones :  thou  washest  away  the 
things  which  grow  out  of  the  dust  of  the  earth, 
and  thou  destroyest  the  hope  of  man.     Thou 


SERVICES.  237 


Funeral  service.  For  a  public  man. 

prevailest  forever  against  him,  and  he  passeth ; 
thou  changest  his  countenance  and  sendest  him 
away. 

Behold  the  Lord,  the  Lord  of  hosts,  doth  take 
away  from  Jerusalem  and  from  Judah  the  stay 
and  the  staff,  the  whole  stay  of  bread  and  the 
whole  stay  of  water,  the  mighty  man  and  the 
man  of  war,  the  judge,  and  the  prophet,  and  the 
prudent,  and  the  ancient,  the  captain  of  fifty, 
and  the  honorable  man,  and  the  counselor,  and 
the  cunning  artificer,  and  the  eloquent  orator. 
They  are  exalted  for  a  little  while,  but  are  gone 
and  brought  low;  they  are  taken  out  of  the 
way  as  all  other,  and  cut  off  as  the  tops  of  the 
ears  of  corn. 

And  Joseph  went  up  to  bury  his  father,  and 
with  him  went  up  all  the  servants  of  Pharaoh, 
the  elders  of  his  house,  and  all  the  elders  of  the 
land  of  Egypt,  and  all  the  house  of  Joseph, 
and  his  brethren,  and  his  father's  house :  only 
their  little  ones,  and  their  flocks  and  their 
herds,  they  left  in  the  land  of  Goshen.  And 
there  went  up  with  him  both  chariots  and  horse- 
men ;  and  it  was  a  very  great  company.  And 
they  came  to  the  threshing-floor  of  Atad,  which 
is  beyond  Jordan,  and  there  they  mourned  with 
a  great  and  very  sore  lamentation :  and  he  made 
a  mourning  for  his  father  seven  days. 


238     THE  presbyterian\s  hand-book. 

Funeral  service.  For  a  public  man. 

And  David  said  to  Joab,  and  to  all  the  peo- 
ple that  were  with  him,  Kend  your  clothes,  and 
gird  you  with  sackcloth,  and  mourn  before  Ab- 
ner.  And  King  David  himself  followed  the 
bier.  And  they  buried  Abner  in  Hebron :  and 
the  king  lifted  up  his  voice  and  wept  at  the 
grave  of  Abner ;  and  all  the  people  wept.  And 
the  king  lamented  over  Abner. 

And  David  lamented  with  this  lamxcntation 
over  Saul,  and  over  Jonathan  his  son :  The 
beauty  of  Israel  is  slain  upon  thy  high  places : 
how  are  the  mighty  fallen !  Tell  it  not  in 
Gath,  publish  it  not  in  the  streets  of  Askelon, 
lest  the  daughters  of  the  Philistines  rejoice,  lest 
the  daughters  of  the  uncircumcised  triumph. 
Ye  mountains  of  Gilboa,  let  there  be  no  dew, 
neither  let  there  be  rain  upon  you,  nor  fields 
of  offerings ;  for  there  the  shield  of  the  mighty 
is  vilely  cast  away,  the  shield  of  Saul,  as  though 
he  had  not  been  anointed  with  oil.  From  the 
blood  of  the  slain,  from  the  fat  of  the  mighty, 
the  bow  of  Jonathan  turned  not  back,  and  the 
sword  of  Saul  returned  not  empty.  Saul  and 
Jonathan  were  lovely  and  pleasant  in  their 
lives,  and  in  their  death  they  were  not  divided : 
they  were  swifter  than  eagles ;  they  were  stron- 
ger than  lions.     Ye  daughters  of  Israel,  weep 


SERVICES.  239 


Funeral  service.  For  a  public  man. 

over  Saul,  who  clothed  you  in  scarlet,  with  oth- 
er delights ;  who  put  on  ornaments  of  gold 
upon  your  apparel.  How  are  the  mighty  fall- 
en in  the  midst  of  the  battle !  0  Jonathan, 
thou  wast  slain  in  thy  high  places.  I  am  dis- 
tressed for  thee,  my  brother  Jonathan :  very 
pleasant  hast  thou  been  unto  me :  thy  love  to 
me  was  wonderful,  passing  the  love  of  women. 
How  are  the  mighty  fallen,  and  the  weapons 
of  war  perished ! 

And  all  Judah  and  Jerusalem  mourned  for 
Josiah.  And  Jeremiah  lamented  for  Josiah ; 
and  all  the  singing  men  and  the  singing  women 
spake  of  Josiah  in  their  lamentations  to  this 
day,  and  made  them  an  ordinance  in  Israel. 

God  accepteth  not  the  persons  of  princes,  nor 
regardeth  the  rich  more  than  the  poor ;  for  they 
all  are  the  work  of  his  hands.  In  a  moment 
shall  they  die,  and  the  people  shall  be  troubled 
at  midnight,  and  pass  away ;  and  the  mighty 
shall  be  taken  away  without  hand.  And  I  saw 
the  dead,  small  and  great,  stand  before  God ; 
and  the  books  were  opened ;  and  another  book 
was  opened,  which  is  the  book  of  life ;  and  the 
dead  were  judged  out  of  those  things  which 
were  written  in  the  books,  according  to  their 
works.     He  that  is  unjust,  let  him  be  unjust 


240    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Funeral  service.  For  a  public  man. 

still ;  and  lie  which  is  filthy,  let  him  be  filthy- 
still  ;  and  he  that  is  righteous,  let  him  be  right- 
eous still ;  and  he  that  is  holy,  let  him  be  holy 
still.  And  behold,  I  come  quickly,  and  my  re- 
ward is  with  me,  to  give  every  man  according 
as  his  work  shall  be. 

Now  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,  very 
early  in  the  morning,  they  came  unto  the  sep- 
ulchre, bringing  the  spices  which  they  had  pre- 
pared, and  certain  others  with  them.  And  they 
found  the  stone  rolled  away  from  the  sepul- 
chre. And  they  entered  in,  and  found  not  the 
body  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  And  it  came  to  pass, 
as  they  were  much  perplexed  thereabout,  be- 
hold, two  men  stood  by  them  in  shining  gar- 
ments. And  as  they  were  afraid,  and  bowed 
down  their  faces  to  the  earth,  they  said  unto 
them, Why  seek  ye  the  living  among  the  dead  ? 
He  is  not  here,  but  is  risen. 

Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  be- 
come the  first-fruits  of  them  that  slept.  For 
since  by  man  came  death,  by  man  came  also 
the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam 
all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. 
But  every  man  in  his  own  order:  Christ  the 
first-fruits ;  afterward  they  that  are  Christ's  at 
his  coming. 


i 


SERVICES.  241 


Funeral  service.  For  a  public  man. 

Behold,  I  show  you  a  mystery ;  we  shall  not 
all  sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be  changed,  in  a  mo- 
ment, in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the  last 
trump ;  for  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the 
dead  shall  be  raised  incorruptible,  and  we  shall 
be  changed.  For  this  corruption  must  put  on 
incorruption,  and  this  mortal  must  put  on  im- 
mortality. So  when  this  corruptible  shall  have 
put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  shall  have 
put  on  immortality,  then  shall  be  brought  to 
pass  the  saying  that  is  written,  Death  is  swal- 
lowed up  in  victory.  O  death,  where  is  thy 
sting?  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory?  The 
sting  of  death  is  sin ;  and  the  strength  of  sin  is 
the  law.  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth 
us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye  stead- 
fast, unmovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your 
labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 

Q 


242    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 

Concluding  services  at  the  grave. 


CONCLUDING  SERVICES  AT  THE  GRAVE. 
I. 

Wliile  we  commit  these  remains  to  the  tomb, 
we  would  not  have  you  ignorant  concerning 
them  that  are  asleep,  that  ye  sorrow  not,  even 
as  others  who  have  no  hope.  For  if  we  believe 
that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so  them 
also  who  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with 
him. 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  with  you  all.    Amen. 

II. 

Our  blessed  Saviour,  who  is  himself  the  res- 
urrection and  the  life,  has  assured  us  that  this 
body  which  we  now  commit  to  the  ground, 
dust  to  dust,  and  ashes  to  ashes,  shall  be  raised 
in  a  perfect  form,  and  united  to  the  spirit  which 
has  gone  to  God. 

"  The  grace,"  etc. 

III. 

Our  help  is  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  who 
made  heaven  and  earth.     As  we  tremblingly 


SERVICES.  243 


Concluding  services  at  the  grave. 


commit  these  remains  to  their  kindred  dust,  let 
our  hopes  repose  in  him  who  doeth  all  things 
well,  that  with  the  comforts  of  his  grace  he  may 
grant  us  also  a  preparation  to  meet  death,  in 
the  expectation  of  a  joyful  immortality. 
"  The  grace,"  etc. 

IV. 

Jesus  said,  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life. 
He  that  believeth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead, 
yet  shall  he  live ;  and  whosoever  liveth  and  be- 
lieveth in  me  shall  never  die. 

Unveil  thy  bosom,  faithful  tomb ! 

Take  this  new  treasure  to  thy  trust ; 
And  give  these  sacred  relics  room 

To  seek  a  slumber  in  the  dust. 
Nor  pain,  nor  grief,  nor  anxious  fear 

Invade  thy  bounds  ;  no  mortal  woes 
Can  reach  the  peaceful  sleeper  here, 

While  angels  watch  the  soft  repose. 

So  Jesus  slept ;  God's  dying  Son 

Pass'd  through  the  grave  and  bless'd  the  bed ! 
Rest  here,  bless'd  saint !  till  from  his  throne 

The  morning  break  and  pierce  the  shade. 

"The  grace,"  etc. 

V. 

The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken 
away ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord. 


244    THE  Presbyterian's  hand-book. 


Concluding  services  at  the  grave. 


So  fades  the  lovely  blooming  flower, 
Frail  smiling  solace  of  an  hour ! 
So  soon  our  transient  comforts  fly, 
And  pleasure  only  blooms  to  die. 

Is  there  no  kind,  no  lenient  art 
To  heal  the  anguish  of  the  heart  ? 
Spirit  of  grace,  be  ever  nigh ; 
Thy  comforts  are  not  made  to  die. 

Jesus  said,  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come 
unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not,  for  of  such  is 
the  kingdom  of  God. 

*'  The  grace,"  etc. 


INDEX. 


Absent  members,  page  126. 

Admission  of  members  to  the  Church,  196. 

Amount  of  study,  139. 

Anniversaries,  44. 

Apostolical  succession,  11. 

Appeal,  15. 

Apportionment  of  benevolent  gifts,  60. 

Assembly's  fund,  126. 

Attendance  on  means  of  grace,  37. 

Attention  to  Church  order,  39. 

Authority  of  parents,  54. 

Baptism,  183. 
Baptismal  service,  185. 
Benevolent  contributions,  47. 
Bible-class,  the  pastor's,  148. 
Bishops  (see  also  * '  pastors"),  135, 
Blessings  at  the  table,  114. 
Books  to  be  studied,  142. 

"     for  parents,  53. 

"     for  pastors,  157. 

"  "         list  of,  158. 

"     of  record,  128. 
Building  of  sanctuaries,  30. 
Business  of  session,  121. 

Calvinistic  doctrines,  23. 
Card  of  beneficence,  51. 
Catechising  by  the  pastor,  146. 
Catechism,  initiatory,  57. 

"         shorter,  72. 

"         of  chronology,  96. 
Catholicity  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  17. 
Children,  restraint  of,  54. 

*'        religious  duties  of,  55. 


246  INDEX. 

Children,  guarded,  55. 

"        gratification  of,  55. 

"        to  be  prayed  for,  55. 

"        system  of  instruction  for,  56. 

"        prayers  for  the  use  of,  100. 
Chronology,  Biblical,  96. 
Church,  Ol 

"       definition  of,  10. 

"       session  (see  "session"). 

*'       courts,  14. 

*'       organization  of  a,  33. 

"       members,  duties  of,  36. 

<'       order,  39. 

"       register,  126,  129. 
Church-erection  fund,  32. 
Churches,  planting  of,  27. 
Collections,  periodical,  46. 

"  committees  on,  46. 

Commandments,  the  ten,  71. 
Complaint,  15. 
Composition  of  sermons,  139. 

"  liturgical,  168. 

Congregational  libraries  (see  "  libraries"). 
Congregations,  gathering  of,  27. 

"  support  of,  36. 

Contributions,  benevolent,  47. 
Courts  of  the  Church,  14. 

Daily  duties  of  members,  37. 
Deacons,  election  of,  34. 

"        ordination  of,  35. 

«        duties  of,  115. 
Decalogue,  71. 
Delegates,  election  of,  125. 

"         expenses  of,  125,  151. 
Delivery  of  sermons,  143. 
Departments  in  Sunday-schools,  42. 
Division  of  labor,  40. 
Doctrines  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  23. 

"        effect  of,  25. 
Duties  of  Church  members,  36. 
*'      of  parents,  52. 

Ecclesiastical  meetings,  attendance  on,  150. 


: 


INDEX.  247 


Education  of  the  ministry,  22. 
Elders,  warrant  for,  13. 

"      election  of,  34,  117. 

"      ordination  of,  35. 

"      office  of,  117. 

"      number  of,  117. 

"      qualifications  of,  119. 

"      relation  of,  to  pastor,  120. 

"      duties  of,  120. 

"      visitation  by,  120. 
Expenses  of  delegates,  125, 151. 
Expository  preaching,  141. 
Extemporaneous  preaching,  141. 

Facilitation  of  sessional  business,  121. 
Family  prayers,  101. 
Form  for  book  of  minutes,  128. 
"     for  Church  register,  129. 
"     of  address  at  baptism  of  infants,  185. 
*'     of  publicly  receiving  members,  198. 
"     for  celebrating  marriage,  206,  209. 
Funeral  service,  general,  212-215. 

''  "        for  a  sudden  death,  219. 

"  "        for  an  infant,  222. 

*'  *'        for  a  young  person,  225. 

"  "        for  an  aged  person,  231. 

"  "        for  a  public  man,  236. 

"  "        at  the  grave,  242. 

Gathering  of  congregations,  27. 

General  Assembly,  15. 

Giving,  duty  of,  39,  47. 

Government  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  11. 

Health  of  ministers,  151. 
History,  sacred,  96. 

Infant  baptism,  183. 
Initiatory  Catechism,  57. 
Instruction  of  children,  37,  56. 
Interruption,  freedom  from,  144. 
Invocations,  169. 

Labor,  division  of,  40. 


248  INDEX. 

Letters  of  dismission,  126, 196. 
Liberality  in  giving,  39,  48. 
Libraries,  congregational,  154. 

"  "  plan  for,  155. 

"  *'  advantages  of,  156. 

Library  of  a  pastor,  books  for,  157. 
Life  assurance,  153. 
Liturgical  composition,  168. 
Lord's  Prayer,  70. 
Lord's  Supper,  187. 

"  "        order  of  service  at,  188. 

**  "        prayers  to  be  used  at,  190. 

Marriage  ceremony,  206,  209. 
Means  of  grace,  37. 
Meetings  for  prayer,  conduct  of,  144. 
Members  of  the  Church,  duties  of,  36. 

"  "  how  admitted,  196. 

"  "  remoyal  of,  196, 204. 

Ministry,  11,  115. 
Mission  buildings,  45. 
Mission  schools,  45. 
Missionary  meetings,  44. 
Monthly  concert,  47. 

Non-liturgical  character  of  worship,  20. 

Order  of  sessional  business,  124. 

"        public  service,  169. 

"       service  at  the  Lord's  Supper,  188. 
Ordination,  significance  of,  12. 

"  of  elders  and  deacons,  35. 

Organization  of  churches,  33. 

Parents,  duties  of,  52. 

*'        authority  of,  54. 
Parity  of  the  clergy,  11. 
Pastoral  visitation,  148. 
Pastors,  office  of,  135. 

*'       duties  of,  136. 
Pecuniary  support  of  congregation,  36. 
Periods  of  sacred  history,  97. 
Planting  of  churches,  27. 
Prayer  after  sermon,  177. 


INDEX.  249 


Prayer  for  a  day  of  fasting,  179. 
*'      meetings,  144. 
*'      power  of,  38. 
Prayers  for  children's  use,  100. 
"       for  family  worship,  101. 
*'       before  sermon,  172. 
*'       at  the  communion,  190. 
Praying  for  church  officers,  37. 
Preaching,  137. 
Preparation  of  sermons,  138. 
Presbyterian  Church,  why  preferred,  11. 
"  **      its  government,  11. 

*'  "its  catholicity,  17. 

*'  "its  worship,  19. 

*'  "      its  teaching,  21. 

Presbytery,  the,  15. 
Profession  of  faith,  197. 
Public  reception  of  members,  formula  for,  198. 
Public  worship  on  the  Lord's  day,  167. 

Reading,  course  of  general,  144. 
Eecord  books,  128. 
Records,  rules  for  keeping,  122. 
Register  of  the  Church,  126,  129. 
Removal  of  members,  196,  204. 
Routine  duties  of  pastors,  150. 
Rules  of  session,  124. 
Ruling  elders  (see  "elders"). 

Sacraments,  the,  183. 
Sacred  history,  96. 
Sanctuaries,  building  of,  30. 
Session,  office  of  the,  14,  118. 

"       business  of,  121. 

"       records  of,  122. 

"       rules  of  order  for,  124. 

"       order  of  business  of,  124. 

"       officers  of,  125. 

"       delegates  from,  125. 

"       various  duties  of,  126. 

"       expenses  of,  127. 
Shorter  Catechism,  72. 
Simplicity  of  Presbyterian  worship,  19. 
Statistical  reports,  127. 


250  INDEX. 

Study,  proportion  of,  139. 
Sunday-tichools,  41. 

"  "       visitation  of,  149. 

Synod,  the,  15. 
Systematic  giving,  49. 
System  of  instruction  for  children,  56. 

Teachers  for  Sunday-schools,  41. 
Teaching  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  21. 
Teaching  the  young,  37,  56. 
Ten  Commandments,  71. 
Themes  for  sermons,  choice  of,  139. 
Training  of  children,  54. 
Transfer  of  Church  relations,  204. 
Trials,  15,  17. 

Unexclusiveness  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  17. 
Unity  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  19. 

Visitation,  120,  148. 

*'         of  Sunday-schools,  149. 
Voters,  34. 

Winning  souls,  37. 
Worship,  characteristics  of,  19. 
"        on  the  Lord's  day,  167. 

Young,  teaching  of  the,  37,  56. 


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"  "         monthly         "  "  "...    1440 

Price  of  each  quarterly  volume,  containing  three  stories  each     1  00 

Price  of  each  monthly  volume,  cue  story 40 


Marco  Paul's  Voyages  and  Travels  in  Pursuit  of 
KnovT-ledge. 

In  Six  volumes  16mo.  These  volumes  present,  in  connection  with  a 
narrative  of  juvenile  adventures,  a  great  variety  of  useful  information 
in  respect  to  the  geography,  scenery,  and  customs  of  the  particular 
places  and  sections  of  country  visited,  and  are  richly  illustrated  with 
engravings. 

The  subjects  of  the  volumesare, 

1.  New  Yoek.  4.  Veemont. 

2.  The  Ebie  Canal.  5.  Boston. 

3.  The  Fobebts  of  Maine.      6.  The  Spbinqfield  Aemoey. 

Price  of  the  set,  including  case $3  00 

Price  of  each  volume,  separately 50 


A  Summer  in  Scotland. 

A  narrative  of  observations  and  adventures  made  by  the  author  dur- 
ing a  summer  spent  among  the  glens  and  Highlands  in  Scotland.  Il- 
lustrated with  Engravings. 

Trice $1  00 


ABBOTT'S  JUVENILE  SERIES.  3 

The  Franconia  Stories. 

In  Ten  volumes  16mo.  Each  volume  is  a  distinct  and  independent 
work,  having  no  necessary  connection  of  Incidents  with  those  that  pre- 
cede or  follow  it,  while  yet  the  characters,  and  the  scenes  in  which  the 
stories  arc  laid,  are  the  same  in  all.  They  present  pleasing  pictures  of 
happy  domestic  life,  and  are  intended  not  only  to  amuse  and  entertain 
the  children  who  shall  peruse  them,  but  to  furnish  them  with  attract- 
ive lessons  of  moral  and  intellectual  instruction,  and  to  train  their 
hearts  to  habits  of  ready  and  cheerful  subordination  to  duty  and  law. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  several  volumes : 

1.  Mallevillb.  6.  Stxjtvesant. 

2.  Maby  Bell.  7.  Agnes. 

3.  Ellen  Linn.  8.  Maby  Ebskinb. 

4.  Wallace.  9.  Eodolphus. 

5.  Beechnut.  10.  Caeoline. 

The  volumes  are  illustrated  with  numerous  beautiful  engravings. 

Price  of  the  set  complete,  including  case $5  00 

Price  of  the  volumes  separately 50 


young,  Christian  Series. 

Complete  in  Four  12mo  volumes,  richly  illustrated  with  engravings, 
and  beautifully  bound. 

1.  The  Yoxtng  Cheistian.  3.  The  Wat  to  do  Good. 

2.  The  Coeneb  Stone.  4.  Hoaeyhead  &  M'Donneb. 

It  is  superfluous  to  speak  of  the  rare  merits  of  Mr.  Abbott's  writings 
on  the  subject  of  practical  religion.  Their  extensive  circulation,  not 
only  in  our  own  country,  but  in  England,  Scotland,  Ireland,  France, 
Germany,  Holland,  India,  and  at  various  missionary  stations  through- 
Out  the  globe,  evinces  the  excellence  of  their  plan,  and  the  felicity  with 
which  it  has  been  executed.  In  unfolding  the  different  topics  which  he 
takes  in  hand,  Mr.  Abbott  reasons  clearly,  concisely,  and  to  the  point ; 
but  the  severity  of  the  argument  is  always  relieved  by  a  singular  variety 
and  beauty  of  illustration.  It  is  this  admirable  combination  of  dis- 
cussion with  incident  that  invests  his  writings  with  an  almost  equal 
charm  for  readers  of  every  diversity  of  age  and  culture. 

Price  of  the  set  complete,  bound  in  Muslin $4  00 

Price  of  the  set  complete,  bound  in  Half  Calf 7  40 

Each  volume  separately,  Muslin 1  00 

Each  volume  separately,  Half  Calf 1  85 


4  ABBOTT'S  JUVENILE  SERIES. 

Illustrated  Histories. 
By  Jacob  and  John  S.  C.  Abbott. 

A  Series  of  volumes  containing  full  accounts  of  the  lives,  characters, 
and  exploits  of  the  most  distingnished  Sovereigns,  Potentates,  and  Rul- 
ers that  have  been  renowned  among  mankind  in  the  various  ages  of  the 
world.  The  volumes  are  beautifully  printed  and  richly  illustrated,  with 
illuminated  title-pages  and  numerous  maps  and  engravings. 

The  following  volumes  are  now  ready : 

English  Series. 

ALrRED  THE  GkEAT.  QtTEEN  ELIZABETH. 

William  tub  Conqueeoe.  Chaeles  the  Fikst. 

ElCHAKD  THE  FlEST.  CHAELES  THE  SeOOND. 

ElOHABD  THE  SECOND.  MaBT  QUEEN  OF  ScOTS. 

RiCHAED  THE  ThIED. 

Ancient  /Series. 
Ctetts  the  Gebat.  Hannibal. 

Daeius  the  Gbbat.  Pyrrhus. 

XeEXEB.  JULItTB  C2EBAB. 

Alexander  the  Great.  Cleopatra. 

KoMULTTS.  Nero. 

General  Series. 
Hernando  Coetez.  Madame  Roland. 

Josephine.  Henkt  the  Foueth. 

Maria  Antoinette.  King  Philip. 

Peter  the  Great.  Genqhis  Kuan. 

Price  per  volume $   60 

Price  of  the  set  (27  volumes)  in  case 16  20 

The  Rainbow  and  Lucky  Series. 

By  Jacob    Abbott.     Beautifully  Illustrated.     16mo,  Muslin,   50 
cents  per  volume.    Uniform  with  Abbott's  Franoonia  Stories. 
Handib.  The  Three  Pines. 

Rainbow's  Journet.  Selling  Ltjoky. 

Published  by  HARPER  &  BROTHERS, 

Franklin  Square,  N.  Y. 


Harper  &  Beotherb  will  send  either  of  the  above  Works  by 
Mail,  postage  paid  (for  any  distance  in  the  United  States  under  3000 
miles),  on  receipt  of  the  Money. 


Miss  Sedgwick's  Works. 


Miss  Sedgwick  has  marked  individuality ;  she  writes  with  a  higher 
aim  than  merely  to  amuse.  Indeed,  the  rare  endowments  of  her  mind 
depend  in  an  unusual  degree  upon  the  moral  qualities  with  which  they 
are  united  for  their  value.  Animated  by  a  cheerful  philosophy,  and 
anxious  to  pour  its  sunshine  into  every  place  where  there  is  lurking 
care  or  suffering,  she  selects  for  illustration  the  scenes  of  every-day  ex- 
perience, paints  them  with  exact  fidelity,  and  seeks  to  diffuse  over  the 
mind  a  delicious  serenity,  and  in  the  heart  kind  feelings  and  sympa- 
thies, and  wise  ambition,  and  steady  hope.  Her  style  is  colloquial,  pic- 
turesque, and  marked  by  a  facile  grace,  which  is  evidently  a  gift  of  na- 
ture. Her  characters  are  nicely  drawn  and  delicately  contrasted ;  her 
delineation  of  manners  decidedly  the  best  that  have  appeared. — Prose 
Writers  of  America. 


M 


EMOIR  OF  JOSEPH  CURTIS.     A  Model 
Man.      By  the  Author  of  "  Married  or  Sin- 
gle ?"  "Means  and  Ends,"  "The  Linwoods,? 
"Hope  Leslie,"  "Live  and  Let  Live,"  &c.,  &c. 
i6mo.  Muslin,  50  cents. 


M 


ARRIED    OR    SINGLE?     By  Miss   Catha- 
rine M.  Sedgwick,  Author  of  "  Hope  Leslie," 
"  The  Linwoods,"  "  Means  and  Ends,"  "  Live 
and  Let  Live,"  &c.,  &c.     2  vols.  i2mo.  Mus- 
lin, $1  75, 


MISS  SEDGWICK'S  WORKS. 

IVE  AND  LET  LIVE;   or.  Domestic  Service 
Illustrated.     By  Miss  C.  M.  Sedgwick,     i  8mo, 
Muslin,  45  cents. 


TVyrEANS  AND  ENDS;  or.  Self-training.    By  Miss 
C.  M.  Sedgwick.     i8mo.  Muslin,  45  cents. 


A     LOVE  TOKEN    FOR   CHILDREN.      De- 
signed for  Sunday-School  Libraries.      By  Miss 
C.  M.  Sedgwick.     i8mo.  Muslin,  45  cents. 


mE  POOR  RICH  MAN  AND  THE  RICH 
POOR   MAN.      By  Miss   C.  M.  Sedgwick. 
i8mo.  Muslin,  45  cents. 


OTORIES  FOR  YOUNG  PERSONS.     By  Miss 
C.  M.  Sedgwick.     i8mo.  Muslin,  45  cents. 


XT7ILTON  HARVEY,  AND  OTHER  TALES. 
By  Miss  C.  M.  Sedgwick.     v8mo.  Muslin, 
4?  cents. 


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